Mayo and Warren Release EPV on the Future of Spectrum Allocation

Posted in News  |  Tagged News - Digital Economy

In a new Economic Policy Vignette (EPV), Executive Director John W. Mayo and Assistant Director Caroline Warren explore the history and future of U.S. spectrum allocation policy. The paper traces the evolution of spectrum management — from early regulatory favoritism to the market-based auction model inspired by Nobel Laureate Ronald Coase — and assesses the consequences of Congress’ failure to reauthorize the FCC’s auction authority. As the demand for wireless bandwidth accelerates, the authors argue that a clean, standalone reauthorization bill is critical to preserve U.S. competitiveness, rural connectivity, and digital equity. This EPV offers timely analysis of proposed legislative efforts and outlines the high stakes of inaction.