Ellis Scherer

Investment in 5G technologies creates immediate benefits for countries reliant on legacy networks and long-term benefits in more technologically advanced countries. Modern broadband technologies are more energy efficient and can help make other industries more sustainable.

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.

Competitiveness in the global space economy should be a priority for the United States, but ineffective regulations weigh down the American commercial space industry. While last year’s executive order was a good start, additional regulatory reforms are necessary to address key roadblocks to U.S. space capabilities.

Now is the time for the Commission to remove unnecessary regulations that stand in the way of next-generation network deployment.

Removing regulatory barriers to wireline deployment will ensure that private and federal investment in broadband deployment can close the digital divide.

It is high time for the Commission to remove unnecessary regulations that stand in the way of next-generation network deployment, and to do so in a manner that ensures consumers do not lose access to critical emergency services.

This merger will be a win for consumers and regulators should not stand in the way.

While distribution reform is the best way to shrink the contribution factor, Congress should also reform USF funding to come from general appropriations, or some other method of encompassing the entire U.S. tax base.

Congress should reform and refocus the Universal Service Fund. It spends too much money, prioritizes the wrong problems, and funds it all with a high, sector-specific tax rate. Congress should reduce the overall size of the program and fund it with general revenue.

The FCC’s new rules to streamline subsea cable approvals strengthen U.S. competitiveness against China by cutting red tape, accelerating deployment, and encouraging investment in critical digital infrastructure.

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.

Trump’s proposed copper tariffs would supercharge theft, hike consumer costs, and entrench outdated broadband infrastructure—all while threatening public safety.

ITIF’s spring seminar course explores core emerging technologies and issues that are reshaping our world and, in the process, creating public policy challenges and opportunities. The course is open to congressional and federal staff only.

Watch now for a panel discussion featuring submarine cable owners and operators as they delve into the past, present, and future of this essential industry. Learn about the technological advances, policy challenges, and global implications shaping the world beneath the waves.