Communications

Revisiting Spectrum Policy: Seven Years After the National Broadband Plan

April 6, 2017  • Communications and Society Program

Download Publication
View this Publication
Download PDF

“Revisiting Spectrum Policy: Seven Years after the National Broadband Plan,” revisits the spectrum recommendations contained in a landmark 2009 report of the Federal Communications Commission setting forth a National Broadband Plan (NBP). That Plan is most remembered for its innovative recommendation that spectrum be repurposed from broadcasting to newer uses through the mechanism of an incentive auction, a process that took place in 2016-17. The intervening time has seen even more demand and new uses arise such as the need for spectrum for controlling drones and for billions of devices to communicate as part of the Internet of Things. In this context, the report provides recommendations for incorporating emerging technologies, considers various licensing approaches, and frames U.S. spectrum policy from a global perspective.

Visit the interactive Spectrum Roundtable Report Website to download a copy of the report.

Previous Report in this Roundtable Series
Communications
Preparing for a 5G World
June 18, 2016 • Communications and Society Program