Joe Kane

California’s broadband affordability debate is being skewed by analysis that ignores real-world consumer use and competition, and risks misdirecting policymakers away from solutions that actually help low-income households.

The Commission should pursue the policy end of preventing contraband phones in a way that complies with the law and properly accounts for the costs and benefits of alternative solutions. Under both rubrics, jamming is unlikely to be the best solution.

Claims that broadband service is becoming less affordable rely on selective data and abstract comparisons, while consumer-level price trends show the opposite—and point to targeted solutions to continue lowering prices for the average household.

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.

The FCC is right to seek regulatory changes that would facilitate greater flexibility and thus more intensive use of upper microwave spectrum. The NPRM’s proposals should be tailored to maximize parties’ flexibility without pulling the rug out from under parties that have paid for protection from harmful interference.

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 should keep its focus on how to enable consumers to benefit from wireless services and prevent state and local red tape from undermining those benefits.

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.

Rather than heed calls to erect more transaction costs in secondary spectrum markets, the Commission should continue down the path of enabling productivity-enhancing spectrum deals without cumbersome Commission processes or conditions.

ITIF urges NTIA to pair BEAD’s technology-neutral deployment reforms with targeted home-broadband affordability support—using remaining funds with tight eligibility guardrails—so the program truly closes the digital divide rather than stopping at infrastructure.

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.

In City Journal, Joe Kane argues that FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s threats against broadcasters for airing political content he dislikes distort the law and risk turning the FCC into a tool for government censorship.

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.

ITIF’s fall seminar course will explore core emerging technologies that are reshaping our world and the public policy challenges and opportunities influencing their development and application. The course is open to congressional and federal staff only.

Watch now for a panel discussion exploring how the broadband landscape is changing, what it means for providers and consumers, and why regulation needs to better reflect today’s dynamic environment.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.