The wider social benefits provided by broadcasting, such as the promotion of culture and education, can be argued to justify free or low cost access to the radio spectrum used by broadcasters. Where fees are charged, these can be calculated either by reference to the economic value of the spectrum (as a scarce resource) or in order to cover the spectrum management costs incurred by the regulator, such as from issuing licences and investigating interference.

This new research shows if a fee related to the use or value of the radio spectrum is imposed on providers of TV broadcasting services in seven American countries. Where applicable, it also shows details of the fees, and how they are calculated. Brazil, Chile and Colombia impose fees for the use or value of TV spectrum. However, the USA, Canada, Mexico and Argentina only collect fees based on the costs of processing spectrum licence applications, i.e. not reflecting the economic value of the spectrum.

This new benchmark has been published in the scope of our Americas Media service.