Spectrum Management policy framework for mobile broadband in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Spectrum management has become an important aspect of regulation as part of industry broadband growth and foster innovation. The statutory framework that exists currently in Sri Lanka for mobile broadband spectrum management is elementary and outdated. Therefore, the current regulations fall short of driving the exponential broadband growth in the telecommunications industry, promoting investment and innovation in the provision of services which ultimately results the consumers to use poor quality broadband services and products. This research is mainly focused to identify the most suitable spectrum policy changes required to foster the mobile broadband growth in Sri Lanka; solutions to the existing spectrum management problems, what steps need to be taken to be taken to avoid these problems in the future; What actions need to be taken to foster innovation and spectrum best practices around the globe. There are few steps used to gather information for the policy framework. A survey was conducted among the all mobile operators/TRCSL/Main equipment vendors covering the 360 landscape of the mobile telecommunication industry in Sri Lanka. Then a study was done about the already implemented broadband policy frameworks in south Asian developed countries. And also, it was thoroughly analyzed the spectrum policy frameworks introduced by ITU and regional regulators Finally, spectrum policy recommendations to Sri Lankan industry context were suggested in three main pillars of spectrum policy concepts namely Spectrum Planning, Spectrum Management and Spectrum Licensing with each concept having three main areas of study.