Revising Taiwan's frequency usage fee regulation

Abstract

Radio frequency usage fees were first charged in Taiwan in 1997. Since then, spectrum-efficient radio technologies have been making rapid progress, and many new innovative wireless services are demanding allocation of spectrum bandwidth. Therefore, frequency usage fees need to be revised in order to better meet society's needs, and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of radio spectrum utilization. This research studied the characteristics of frequency usage fee structures of some selected countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Korea, Singapore, France, and Israel. A survey of local frequency users concerning their complaints and expectations was also conducted. With future frequency needs in mind, a revision of Taiwan's frequency usage fee system was recommended. The Taiwan Directory General of Telecommunications has fully adopted this revision and made it effective starting 2001. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.