Spectrum Policy

The C band is a crucial first component of the OBBBA’s spectrum pipeline. The Commission can make the most of this pipeline by aggressively pursuing as much spectrum as possible for the most productive commercial use possible while ensuring flexibility to account for real-world technological developments.

This rulemaking will benefit the space industry by updating and improving regulations to keep pace with commercial technological progress. Simpler, flexible, and more straightforward licensing will encourage the most innovative companies to seek a U.S. license, consequently helping maintain U.S. leadership in the global space economy.

If the year ahead in technology and innovation policy lives up to its potential, it could be a consequential one because there is a long list of important issues on the table. Herein, we offer 10 that are on top of our minds.

The Commission is right to seek to remove regulatory impediments that hinder licensees from complying with their licenses and serving consumers, but the Public Notice rests on flawed premises that lead it to propose unwise and ineffective policy.

America’s wireless future depends on efficient spectrum use—and unlocking more federal airwaves for commercial innovation will strengthen both the economy and national security.

To counter China’s telecom dominance and restore U.S. competitiveness, policymakers should lead a global push for Open RAN standards that foster security, innovation, and fair competition.

Space safety is an important and shared interest of governments, private industry, and consumers around the world. But a regulatory framework for it should be evidence-based and even-handed. If the EUSA proceeds, we can expect the same proliferation of copycat space regulations through the Brussels effect.

The Commission should seek to maximize the productivity of satellite spectrum by replacing EPFD limits with the degraded throughput methodology that is used for NGSO-NGSO spectrum sharing and for NGSO-GSO sharing in the V-band.

Congress risks undermining U.S. leadership in wireless innovation by cutting off critical Open RAN funding just as it gains momentum against China’s dominance.

By leveraging market mechanisms, engaging critical stakeholders, and ensuring robust technical standards, the Commission can facilitate an efficient and effective allocation of the Upper C-band.