TPI Senior Fellow Sarah Oh Lam recently moderated a panel discussion that brought together some of the brightest minds in the field. The topic of the panel was “30 Years of Auctions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead” on Monday January 29, 2024 which covered the history of FCC auctions over the past three decades, a subject that has shaped the telecommunications landscape as we know it. Here are some key insights and lessons from that rich conversation that sheds light on the evolving goals of spectrum allocation and the challenges that come with it.
Setting the Stage for Spectrum Success
The panel comprised esteemed experts: Umair Javed from CTIA, Giulia McHenry from the FCC, Becky Tangren from NCTA, John Liebovitz from Jupiterra LLC, and Sarah Oh Lam from TPI. Each brought a unique perspective to the table, contributing to a multifaceted discussion on what makes spectrum auctions successful.
One of the core themes that the panel explored was the need for Congress to restore spectrum auction authority and the delicate balance between licensed and unlicensed spectrum. The panelists underscored the importance of considering a myriad of factors, such as fostering competition, ensuring bidder diversity, and the practical deployment and use of spectrum. These elements are crucial in evaluating the success of auctions.
Understanding the Auction Context
The conversation took a deep dive into the context in which spectrum auctions occur. It’s not just about the highest bidder; it’s about understanding the regulatory, technical, economic, and industrial factors that shape these auctions. The panelists stressed the importance of designing auction mechanisms that reflect the evolving landscape of technology and network architectures.
Policy plays a pivotal role in shaping spectrum allocation and auction design. The experts emphasized the need for policies to be flexible and adaptable to the changing dynamics of the industry. This adaptability is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that spectrum policy meets the diverse needs of users.
The Decision-Making Process and Future Predictions
A significant part of the discussion revolved around the decision-making process leading up to auctions. The panelists highlighted the importance of rulemaking procedures and gathering relevant information to make informed licensing decisions. They also addressed the challenges of predicting future technology trends and the need to balance the interests of various spectrum users, including carriers, industry players, and new technology proponents.
Trade-offs and Challenges in Spectrum Allocation
Umair Javed delved into the trade-offs involved in spectrum auctions, such as timing, auction revenues, and the issues of underutilization and interference, particularly in the 3.5 GHz band. The need for a balanced spectrum policy was a recurring point, considering the evolution of industry practices and the potential value of diverse bidders.
John Leibovitz highlighted the importance of understanding use cases and the benefits to the American public and economy when making spectrum allocation decisions. The potential for smaller license sizes in auctions was also discussed, along with the technological advancements that enable more specific use cases.
Embracing a Balanced Spectrum Policy
In conclusion, the panelists collectively emphasized the need for a balanced spectrum policy that accounts for evolving industry practices, technological advancements, and the potential value of diverse bidders. The importance of gathering information on use cases and considering the potential benefits to the American public and economy in making spectrum allocation decisions was a key takeaway.
The discussion provided a wealth of insights into the complexities of spectrum allocation and the trade-offs involved in spectrum auctions. As the panel wrapped up, it was clear that continuous innovation and adaptation are necessary to meet the diverse needs of spectrum users.
This panel is one of six events included in TPI’s 2024 Winter Spectrum Series from January to February 2024. Be sure to check out the other events in the series!
