Competition, limited resources and human rights in radio spectrum allocation in Chile

This article discusses the current radio spectrum allocation in Chile. Findings are analyzed from a theoretical perspective including competition, human rights and limited resource management. Findings indicate a very high concentration of concessions in private actors based on a generalist business model that even applies to public institutions, which coexists with a specific community model in the case of radio and television, with lower rates of participation and policies that give little incentive, to the point that we could consider it a discriminatory treatment. The resulting system, although compatible with the legal frame, does not comply with international human rights standards or the principles of free trade. This systematization and analysis constitute relevant inputs for the ongoing constitutional debate.