Seizing the Mobile Moment: Spectrum Allocation Policy for the Wireless Broadband Century

Abstract

Broadband is widely recognized as a key platform for enabling and supporting job creation, economic development, and innovation in both the short- and long-terms. Many recent policy debates have focused on spurring the deployment of wired broadband networks to unserved parts of the country. While important, these discussions largely overlook the vital role that wireless broadband is playing and will continue to play in delivering critical services and applications to a variety of end-users. This article analyzes the current state of the marketplace and assesses how a variety of sectors of the economy - healthcare, energy, education, and public safety - are leveraging ubiquitous and robust wireless broadband networks to deliver cutting-edge new tools. In order to sustain such high levels of innovation and competition, innovators will require additional spectrum resources to ensure that wireless networks are reliable and capable of providing fast transmission speeds. As such, this article provides an analysis of how the Federal Communications Commission has historically apportioned spectrum and draws best practices for use in today’s marketplace. In an effort to prevent a spectrum shortage and provide policymakers with guidance as they approach these issues, this article concludes by articulating a series of recommendations for use by policymakers. Combined with the best practices, these policy recommendations seek to ensure meaningful policy making as stakeholders aim to position the wireless sector for continued success.

Keywords: wireless, broadband, mobile, telecommunications, regulation, innovation, Internet, spectrum, FCC

JEL Classification: L96, L98