Basics of spectrum policy for the wireless engineer

This article starts a new feature in IEEE Wireless Communications dealing with radio spectrum policies issues that are important to researchers and developers in the wireless area. Such policy issues are critical to many wireless innovations because radio spectrum is highly regulated around the world. Most new applications of radio technology require regulatory approval, often involving many years. Even many marginal evolutions of radio technology need regulatory action. By contrast, innovations in computer technology almost never require consideration of regulatory policies.