The global frequency spectrum management - Prospects and problems

The frequency spectrum as a unique resource which can be overtaxed is considered, and it is pointed out that the global economy of the next century will be based on this resource. Assumptions regarding this prediction are related to the acceleration of the demand of developing nations as a consequence of technical growth, the necessity for a continuation of the economic growth as a means for providing food and employment for the increasing global population, and the premise that economic growth will be based on information. There are factors which make predictions regarding future communication demands difficult. An example for unexpected developments is related to the personal computer. In connection with an evaluation of future communications-related demands, four major trends are examined, giving attention to the rapid development of computer and communications hardware, the shift from an industrial to an information society, lifestyle adaptations to an information society, and corporate adaptations to an information society.