Electromagnetic spectum: a critical natural resource

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · Nat. Resour. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6473801

Herter, Jr, C A

Little has been written about the electromagnetic spectrum, which is the natural resource which makes modern communication and communications development possible. Even though its physical dimensions are infinite, and it can never be depleted, the constantly increased demands for use of the spectrum constrain the extent to which it can be exploited without unacceptable interference. Over-use and over-crowding cause interference and impair the use of the radio spectrum. No other natural resource has such as immediate and extensive impact on modern civilization. The author explores the nature of the electromagnetic spectrum as a natural and common property resource; elaborates on some of its uses, particularly in conjunction with the geostationary orbit; examines the institutional frameworks that have been developed to manage the resource; and discusses some of the emerging political and legal problems it entails.

• Research Organization: Johns Hopkins Univ., Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6473801
• Journal Information: Nat. Resour. J.; (United States), Vol. 25:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
COMMUNICATIONS
WAVE PROPAGATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
INTERNATIONAL LAWS
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
INTERFERENCE
COMPETITION
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
LEGAL ASPECTS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
RADIO NOISE
SOCIAL IMPACT
COOPERATION
LAWS
MANAGEMENT
NOISE
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
290400* - Energy Planning & Policy- Energy Resources
293000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation