Ellis Scherer

Orbital data centers could complement terrestrial infrastructure by processing selected workloads in space, particularly where data is generated in orbit. Their value will depend on technical performance, life cycle economics, market demand, and a regulatory environment that does not hinder testing and deployment.

Spectrum is a critical component for space launch, and frequency coordinators play a vital role in balancing the spectrum needs of the aviation and the space sectors, both of which are essential for American technological leadership.

The Commission should establish predictable federal guardrails to address wireline deployment barriers while preserving legitimate state and local ROW-management functions. These measures would give providers and governments clearer expectations and reduce some regulatory uncertainty surrounding deployments that require state or local authorization.

Eliminating harmful NEPA review is a necessary reform that will help America continue to lead in space innovation. However, the NPRM's uniform waiver across environmental laws and launch and reentry sites forgoes the risk-based, evidentiary approach that justifies deregulatory action.

Phasing out legacy High-Cost mechanisms, allowing time-limited deployment programs to sunset as scheduled, and establishing a leaner USF focused on broadband affordability and adoption would better serve consumers, strengthen competition, and improve stewardship of USF resources.

Following the FCC’s vote to modernize its satellite and earth station licensing rules at its July 22 Open Meeting, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) released the following statement from Policy Analyst Ellis Scherer.

The Commission should approve this transaction because it will serve the public interest by increasing spectrum productivity, increasing competition in the emerging D2D marketplace, and extending mobile communications coverage to remote and underserved areas.

The United States is the global power in space, but insufficient spaceport infrastructure threatens the growth of the American space industry. Congress, NASA, and Space Force must address the problem before it undermines U.S. leadership.

The Commission should thoughtfully consider AT&T’s petition because it could catalyze the retirement of outdated copper networks, accelerate network modernization, and advance the transition to a modern, all-IP communications ecosystem.

Overly restrictive spectrum allocations have left terrestrial bands underutilized. Regulators should not repeat those mistakes as they develop new policies for the orbital economy.

At a time of unprecedented growth in the broadband market, California’s broadband laws remain unchanged, and it is costing consumers faster, more reliable Internet.

China’s space industry was once nascent. But, with support from the Chinese Communist Party, it has developed into a robust commercial sector and is closing the innovation gap with the United States.

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.