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Joe Kane

Joe Kane

Director, Broadband and Spectrum Policy

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Joe Kane is director of broadband and spectrum policy at ITIF. Previously, he was a technology policy fellow at the R Street Institute, where he covered spectrum policy, broadband deployment and regulation, competition, and consumer protection. Earlier, Joe was a graduate research fellow at the Mercatus Center, where he worked on Internet policy issues, telecom regulation, and the role of the FCC.

Joe interned in the office of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. He also interned with the satellite and terrestrial network provider SES, the Satellite Industry Association, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and the American Action Forum. Joe holds a J.D. from The Catholic University of America, a master’s in economics from George Mason University, and a bachelor’s in political science from Grove City College.

Research Areas

Recent Publications

November 14, 2024

Comments to the FCC Regarding Data Caps in Consumer Broadband Plans

To the extent that the Commission is worried about whether data caps are too low, it should change its policies that have disincentivized broadband investment so consumers can benefit from increases in overall broadband network capacity.

November 6, 2024

Comments to the FCC Regarding Investment in the 3550–3700 MHz Band

The Commission should foster the innovative and productive potential of the CBRS band by increasing maximum power limits and harmonizing out-of-band-emission limits on the upper part of the band with those in the adjacent C band.

October 31, 2024

The FCC’s Net Neutrality Dodge Looks Doomed

The FCC will likely lose its partisan bid to regulate broadband Internet service under Title II of the Communications Act, either under the major questions doctrine or under the normal principles of statutory interpretation. That eventual decision will confirm it would have been better off focusing on policies that actually benefit consumers.

October 11, 2024

Comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Regarding Project LEIA

Project LEIA is an excellent opportunity to move in the right direction, and we commend NTIA for this bold approach.

September 9, 2024

Comments to the Federal Communications Commission Promoting Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Through Handset Unlocking Requirements and Policies

This proposal purports to increase consumer choice, but it would actually make some consumer choices illegal, undermining the public interest.

September 5, 2024

Comments to the Federal Communications Commission Regarding the NextNav Petition For Rulemaking

The Commission should pursue all policy options to increase spectrum productivity. Here, however, it is highly questionable whether the NextNav proposal would accomplish that goal.

August 12, 2024

Consumers Will Be On the End of the CPUC Regulatory Sledgehammer

While the intent behind these regulations is commendable, in practice they are too rigid and will be prove counterproductive, hurting consumers.

August 6, 2024

How to Fund Universal Broadband Service Without the Universal Service Fund

The Fifth Circuit's decision declaring the Universal Service Fund unconstitutional is an upheaval, but also an opportunity, writes Joe Kane in his latest op-ed in Broadband Breakfast.

August 6, 2024

ITIF’s Innovation Policy Reading List for Summer 2024

To save you a trip to the library or bookstore, this list includes not just books we recommend for policy wonks and the general public alike, but also books we do not recommend.

June 26, 2024

Comments Before the European Commission Regarding How to Master Europe's Digital Infrastructure Needs

Europe has the potential to dramatically improve the productivity of it communications infrastructure and allow the market to better serve citizens’ needs.

June 10, 2024

Comments to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission Regarding Supporting Content Through Base Contributions

There is no free lunch to be found by imposing base contributions on foreign online undertakings to fund the government’s preferred content. The Commission should reckon with the economic realities of its proposal rather than obscuring them behind anti-foreign rhetoric.

April 30, 2024

Amicus Brief to the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in the Case of Minnesota Telecom Alliance v. FCC

Brief of the International Center for Law & Economics and ITIF as amici curiae in support of petitioners and setting aside the Commission’s Order. The digital discrimination rule the FCC issued in its order is inconsistent with the IIJA. It is so expansive as to claim regulatory authority over major political and economic questions, and it is arbitrary and capricious.

More publications by Joe Kane

Recent Events and Presentations

March 20, 2024

The Way Forward for U.S. Spectrum Policy

Watch now for an ITIF discussion alongside experts and stakeholders who will provide context and perspectives for the state of U.S. spectrum policy and discuss how we can increase the productivity of scarce spectrum resources.

June 8, 2023

The Future of the Internet in Europe

Watch ITIF's expert panel discussion on the details and likely outcomes of the fair contribution policy proposal, and what the Internet might look like if it’s implemented.

March 20, 2023

U.S. Spectrum Allocation Needs Reform: Lessons From the C-Band Controversy

Join ITIF and Eno for a discussion on what the spectrum allocation process looks like, where it falters, and how to reform spectrum allocation to promote long-term safety and productivity. Food and beverages will be provided to all in-person attendees.

November 14, 2022

Building the Pipeline: Auction Authority and Spectrum Allocation in the United States

Joe Kane joins a panel speaking on what is being done to ensure spectrum is put to its best and highest use, and if there is enough spectrum to keep pace with demand and innovation.

September 27, 2022

“Digital Discrimination” Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Joe Kane, Director of Broadband and Spectrum Policy at ITIF, moderated a discussion on the FCC’s ongoing efforts to effectuate this portion of the statute and how policymakers can best achieve the goal of equitable broadband deployment.

June 28, 2022

How 5G Can Spur Climate Tech Innovation

Watch the discussion surrounding the potential climate tech applications of 5G and what is needed going forward to help ensure that this critical infrastructure can facilitate the low-carbon transition.

June 14, 2022

How States Can Make the Most of Broadband Funding

View ITIF's event that explored how state-broadband funding is progressing, and how stakeholders are working to take advantage of the opportunities and address the challenges that come with it.

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