Instrumenty zarzadzania zasobami czestotliwosci radiowych

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyse changes in the set of instruments used to manage radio frequency resources by the telecommunications regulator and frequency users. Methodology: The research methods used include literature studies, analysis of documentation and results of selection procedures, EU and national program documents on frequency management and reports of operator organisations, taking into account the practical effects of regulation. Results: The results of the analysis indicate a permanent centralisation of instruments concerning decisions on frequency allocation, marketisation of frequency allocation processes, liberalisation of the conditions for their disposal and expansion of users’ freedom in choosing the way of using frequencies, and at the same time expansion of the regulator’s powers to optimise the allocated resources. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to national practices of managing frequency resources intended for the provision of telecommunications services. The main trends of change in the period since Poland’s accession to the European Union are analysed. Originality/value: The analysis aims to explain the reasons for the simultaneous expansion of the set of management instruments applied in frequency regulation and instruments confirming the freedom of telecommunications entrepreneurs in the use of the allocated resources. The explanation points to the progressive convergence of the objectives pursued by frequency users and those underlying the basis for the regulator’s actions in subsequent phases of the regulatory and management processes concerning radio frequencies.