Join us for a series of five Tuesday webinars and one Wednesday webinar exploring the multifaceted world of spectrum policy. From the economic foundations of spectrum allocation to the latest advancements in space and satellite technology, this series will dive into key topics such as market mechanisms, valuation methods, sharing frameworks, federal spectrum management, international coordination, and security implications. Whether you’re a seasoned industry expert or a newcomer to the field, these webinars will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of spectrum.
The Economics of Spectrum Allocation: Beyond Beauty Contests
Tuesday, February 11 @ 11 am ET on Zoom
Add to CalendarThis panel will focus on the economic efficiency of current spectrum allocation methods and explore innovative market-based mechanisms to optimize spectrum utilization. We will examine alternative approaches beyond traditional auctions, such as property rights and dynamic pricing, to enhance flexibility and efficiency. The panelists will also discuss the importance of measuring the federal spectrum opportunity cost and developing economic frameworks to evaluate the trade-offs between sharing and exclusive use. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues, we aim to stimulate a lively debate on the future of spectrum policy
- Evan Kwerel, Senior Economic Advisor, Office of Economics and Analytics, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Ruth Milkman, Founding Partner at Quadra Partners, LLC
- Michael Ostrovsky, Fred H. Merrill Professor of Economics, Stanford Graduate School of Business
- Gregory Rosston, Gordon Cain Senior Fellow, Stanford University, Stanford Institute Economic Policy Research (SIEPR)
- Paroma Sanyal, Principal, The Brattle Group
- Moderator: Scott Wallsten, President and Senior Fellow, Technology Policy Institute
Access Models for Current and Future Tech: Frequencies, Power Limits, and Sharing Regimes
Tuesday, February 18 @ 11 am ET on Zoom
Add to CalendarThis panel will explore the complex interplay of economic, technical, and regulatory factors shaping the future of spectrum allocation. Panelists will discuss key issues such as the trade-offs between different access models, the coordination of space-based and terrestrial systems, and the evolving spectrum needs of emerging technologies like 6G, IoT, and autonomous systems. Additionally, the panel will discuss the critical role of infrastructure investment, network reliability, and receiver standards in ensuring seamless integration of satellite and terrestrial networks.
- Traci Biswese, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
- Doug Brake, Assistant Vice President, Policy Communications, CTIA – The Wireless Association
- Michael Calabrese, Director, Wireless Future Program, Open Technology Institute at New America
- Monica Desai, Founder, Tech Policy Advisors, LLC
- Kristian Stout, Director of Innovation Policy, International Center for Law & Economics (ICLE)
- Moderator, Sarah Oh Lam, Senior Fellow, Technology Policy Institute
Commercial Space and Spectrum Access
Tuesday, February 25 @ 11:30 am ET on Zoom
Add to CalendarAs the space industry continues to rapidly evolve, the demand for spectrum resources is increasing exponentially. We will discuss the delicate balance between satellite and terrestrial spectrum needs, the specific requirements of the space industry, and the role of the FCC in regulating space communications. Additionally, the panel will examine the challenges and opportunities of integrating space and terrestrial networks, the emergence of innovative space technologies, and the importance of international coordination to ensure the sustainable use of space spectrum.
- Peter Davidson, Vice President of Global Government Affairs and Policy, Intelsat
- Kalpak Gude, Head of Regulatory Affairs for Project Kuiper at Amazon (pending)
- Svetlana Matt, Director of Public Policy at EchoStar (pending)
- Robert McDowell, Partner, Cooley LLP
- Moderator: Sarah Oh Lam, Senior Fellow, Technology Policy Institute
Federal Spectrum: Valuation, Management, and Reform
Wednesday March 5 @ 11 am ET on Zoom
Add to CalendarFederal spectrum utilization is the subject of this panel, including the development of robust valuation methodologies to assess the economic value of federal spectrum holdings. Panelists will explore the spectrum requirements of key federal agencies such as DOD, NOAA, and NASA, as well as the emerging needs of space situational awareness. Topics will include potential opportunities for spectrum sharing, incentives for federal spectrum efficiency, and effective coordination mechanisms between agencies like NTIA and FCC. Additionally, challenges associated with the lower 3 GHz band will be discussed as well as lessons from past federal spectrum relocations. Finally, the panel will address the importance of government-commercial space coordination to ensure the sustainable use of spectrum resources.
- Coleman Bazelon, Principal, The Brattle Group
- Paul LaFontaine, Economist, Federal Communications Commission (pending approval)
- Jennifer Warren, Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy, Lockheed Martin
- Lawrence White, Professor of Economics, New York University Stern School of Business
- Moderator: Thomas Lenard, Senior Fellow and President Emeritus, Technology Policy Institute
Spectrum Policy in Transition: The 2025 Agenda
Tuesday, March 11 @ 11 am ET on Zoom
Add to CalendarAs the U.S. embarks on a new era of spectrum policy, this panel will explore the critical issues shaping the future of spectrum allocation and utilization. Panelists will discuss the priorities for the first year of the new administration, the future of the National Spectrum Strategy, and the evolving role of state and local governments in spectrum management. Additionally, the panel will examine the implications of private network policies, spectrum auction reauthorization, and agency leadership transitions. Finally, panelists will explore how industry stakeholders can adapt to these significant policy shifts and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the spectrum marketplace.
- Shawn Bone, Senior Director of Public Policy, Verizon
- Harold Feld, Senior Vice President, Public Knowledge
- Blair Levin, Policy Advisor, New Street Research
- David Redl, Founder & CEO, Salt Point Strategies
- Arpan Sura, Senior Counsel for Spectrum and Technology, FCC Chairman’s Office
- Moderator: Sarah Oh Lam, Senior Fellow, Technology Policy Institute
International Spectrum Leadership
Tuesday, March 18 @ 11 am ET on Zoom
Add to CalendarThis panel will explore the critical role of the United States in shaping the global spectrum landscape. Panelists will discuss strategies to maintain U.S. spectrum leadership through the ongoing transition, the importance of effective preparation for WRC-27 under the new administration, and the evolution of U.S. international spectrum policy. Topics include the challenges of cross-border coordination, the need for international spectrum harmonization, and the impact of global technology standards on spectrum allocation and utilization. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues, we aim to contribute to the development of a robust and sustainable global spectrum ecosystem.
- Scott Blake Harris, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Crest Hill Advisors
- Umair Javed, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, CTIA – The Wireless Association
- Jennifer Manner, Senior Advisor, Space and Satellite Policy, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) (pending)
- Tricia Paoletta, Partner, Harris Wiltshire Grannis LLP
- Moderator: Scott Wallsten, President and Senior Fellow, Technology Policy Institute
