March Discussion Featured Former FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly

Former FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly joined Georgetown’s Carolyn Brandon and Jennifer Fritzsche for a discussion about Little Nuggets of Tech and Telecom. They discussed the efficacy of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the release of the Request for Comment by NTIA regarding a National Spectrum Plan, agency reform and more. Key takeaways:

• The ACP is proving to be a success and is the closest thing yet to a consumer voucher program, a “direct to consumer” program long advocated by conservatives. See Mike O’Rielly’s recent opinion piece in The Hill, “A conservative case for the Affordable Connectivity Program.”
• The ACP is distinguishable from other broadband subsidy programs because it is targeted, technology neutral and is equally available to every qualified American, countrywide.
• Spectrum auction authority needs to be extended.
• Creating a full power, licensed spectrum pipeline is critical to expanding capacity and functionality of US commercial mobile networks, and protecting national security before China overtakes US leadership in spectrum-based innovation and economic opportunity.
• The recent Silicon Valley Bank incident could impact the availability of funding for start-ups and small businesses in the tech and telecom space.

Watch the full discussion on YouTube

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