Spectrum for Democracy: Special Issue of the Journal of Information Policy

The impact of communication technology, new media tools, and government censorship on free speech and democratic discourse has come into much greater focus since the 2011 Arab Spring. But the topic of reforming spectrum allocation and regulation—which could dramatically improve access to both traditional and new media—remains one of the least discussed policy areas. In a special issue of the Journal of Information Policy (JIP), experts from the Open Technology Institute teamed up with other technology policy and regional analysts to explore how, during a period of broader transition in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, spectrum policy could be reformed to promote democratic discourse, enable the free flow of information, and spur economic development.

In “Spectrum Policy Reforms: Supporting Democracy and Economic Development in Jordan,” Jordanian journalist Rana Sweis, OTI’s Benjamin Lennett, and Tom Glaisyer write about Jordan as a case study in considering the impact of wireless communications technology. They argue that reforming the country’s spectrum licensing policies and media laws is critical for economic development and democratic progress, drawing lessons from the United States and considering how they could be applied in the context of Jordan’s emerging tech economy and startup culture.

“From Revolution to Reform: Recommendations for Spectrum Policy in Transitional Tunisia” looks at Tunisia as a potential model for spectrum policies that promote access and free speech in the MENA region. Moez Chakchouk, Chairman and CEO of the Tunisian Internet Agency, OTI’s Danielle Kehl, Access’ Jochai Ben-Avie, and Kate Coyer argue that democratic reforms to media, Internet, and spectrum regulation in Tunisia can foster citizen engagement and encourage new market entrants in one of the most technologically advanced North African countries.

The papers were accompanied by an introductory essay from M. Chris Riley, a spectrum expert and former contractor for the State Department’s Internet Freedom program. In “Spectrum Synergy: Policy Opportunities to Promote Communications and Information Flow in Wireless Networks,” Riley argues that the key question is whether policy will facilitate or frustrate the opportunities that wireless technology presents, focusing on issues of increased competition, spectrum standardization, interoperability, universal service for mobile broadband, and circumventing state censorship.

The papers were the product of a conference hosted by the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in 2012. The day-long event, “Spectrum for Democracy: Securing the Gains from the Arab Spring,” was co-sponsored by OTI, Free Press, and Access, with two main goals: to explain how spectrum can be used to better support democracy, and to bring together policymakers and thinkers from transitional MENA states with U.S. experts to discuss specific strategies for reforming spectrum policy in the region as part of the overall transition. All three papers are available as part of a special issue of the JIP, which is a peer-reviewed, open access journal.