Death of the Commons

There has been a lot of focus recently in the wireless media, about the problem known as the tragedy (or death) of the commons.

glenn fleischmann has a good review of the central issues on his weblog here, which saves me from recapping the central issues.
For more in-depths information on the issues, take a look at industry veteran, Steve Stroh's Focus on Broadband Wireless Internet Access.
Also David P. Reed presents the point very well at Reed's Locus.

The problem of the commons is a very real issue in wireless networking, and one we should all be concerned about. The idea of a commons, of unlicensed spectrum, and the ability for everyone to use the available natural resource is great.

However with the currently very limited spectrum available for unlicensed use, and especially with the lack of effective regulation of use in many countries outside the US and Europe, use of the spectrum could soon become nigh impossible, unless some form of cooperation and code of conduct is universally recognized.