Spectrum Policy Podcast

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What is spectrum policy? Why do we need it? How is it used? Spectrum policy is about managing the use of the airwaves by mobile phones, satellites and a huge range of other devices ranging from radio telescopes to garage door openers. How can we ensure that all these users get access to the spectrum while bringing the maximum benefits to society? This podcast brings together experts from engineering, economics and policy-making to discuss current issues. It is brought to you by PolicyTracker, which produces a newsletter, research and training courses on spectrum management.

PolicyTracker


    • Mar 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Spectrum Policy Podcast

    The impact of regulatory turmoil on 5G auctions in Latin America

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 45:44


    PolicyTracker journalist Laura Sear talks to Guesseppe Gonzalez from Access Partnerships about 5G auctions and regulatory changes in Latin America.Download our new app SignalTracker

    BEREC chair says regulators are not holding back 5G success

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 31:40


    PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to the 2025 BERC chair Robert Mourik about regulation, spectrum policy and the success of 5G in Europe.⁠Download our new app SignalTracker

    How will Trump 2.0 reshape US spectrum policy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 34:25


    As Donald Trump begins his second term in office, PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge about Trump's spectrum policy priorities.News: New FCC and Congress mull spectrum auctionsDownload our new app SignalTracker

    Auction expert Peter Cramton proposes world-first MVNO solution

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 41:48


    Professor Cramton discusses how auctions approaches pioneered in the US electricity sector can help MVNOs in Thailand.

    Is Europe's 6G spectrum strategy adrift?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 28:43


    In this episode of the podcast, Journalist Richard Haas speaks to renowned academic Marja Matinmikko-Blue about the future of 6G spectrum policy in Europe. We discuss a new report published by the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) titled “6G strategic vision,” and discuss the research priorities currently being pursued in Europe as 6G approaches. Draft RSPG Report: 6G Strategic Vision

    Top stories of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 45:58


    What have been this year's important spectrum policy stories? In this podcast our experts nominate their top five. We'd like to get your vote as well! Please take part in our online poll.

    Why is it so difficult to provide coverage for trains?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 37:24


    In this episode, PolicyTracker delves into the subject of rail connectivity with two industry experts. LS Telcom UK's Director Spectrum Services and Business Development Saul Friedner and Finnish ICT industry association FiCom's Managing Director Elina Ussa cover practical challenges of providing coverage for customers and rail operations.

    William Webb: 6G can thrive without new spectrum

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 34:17


    In this episode, PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to William Webb about his new book 'The 6G Manifesto'. They discuss how 6G is taking shape, and what implications it may have on spectrum policy. ⁠Amazon: The 6G Manifesto – Prof William Webb

    Why Europe should embrace dynamic spectrum access

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 29:58


    In the past few years, the United States has been at the forefront of new, innovative spectrum access systems. This includes CBRS (Citizen Broadband Radio Service) in the C-band and AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) in 6 GHz. In this episode of the podcast, we speak to Amit Nagpal of Aetha Consulting, who argues that Europe should embrace these technologies to avoid being left behind. Aetha: Why Europe needs to embrace dynamic spectrum assignment

    The future of PMSE spectrum (feat. Nada Abdelhafez)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 20:58


    In this episode, we talk to Nada Abdelhafez, the Head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs for Middle East and Africa at Shure, about the future of Programme Making & Special Events (PMSE) spectrum. We discuss what was decided at WRC-23 for PMSE spectrum, future bands that could be available for audio, production and events and the coexistence and possibilities between PMSE and DECT. CEPT draft revision of ERC Recommendation 25-10 on frequency use of PMSE applications PMSE usage increases as WRC-23 prepares to review UHF in Region 1 DECT NR+ seeks access to 3.8—4.2 GHz in Europe

    Why some regulators are ditching cash-based spectrum auctions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 28:55


    Since the first spectrum auction took place in 1989 in New Zealand, there have been many changes to the auction format. Yet one fundamental idea hasn't changed: The bidder who offers up the most cash wins. In the latest episode of the PolicyTracker Spectrum podcast, we speak to Yasmine Frizlen an Economic Analyst at NERA in the Spectrum Department about a new auction format which challenges this key assumption. Called cashless auctions, these are awards where cash is not the primary focus, and instead, there is more emphasis on things like investment commitments and promises of coverage rollouts. NERA Book: Round-by-Round: Learnings from the First 35 Years of Spectrum Auctions PolicyTracker Research note (SRS subsrcibers): What are cashless spectrum auctions? PolicyTracker Spectrum 101 (free): Spectrum auctions

    Are we reaching the 'End of Telecoms History'? (feat. Prof. William Webb)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 36:23


    In his new book, titled "the End of Telecoms History", Professor William Webb argues that as data consumption is slowing and the broadband speeds offered to most people is now good enough, the telecoms industry has reached a turning point. In this episode of our podcast, William speaks to PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas about what implications this new reality could have on mobile operators (MNOs) and regulators alike. Amazon: The End of Telecoms History, William Webb

    WRC-23 Special - How is the ITU defining 6G? (feat. Dean Bubley)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 26:07


    Just ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference, the ITU approved its IMT-2030 framework. IMT-2030, more commonly known as 6G is the next generation of mobile communications standard. Using this document as a guide, we speak to outspoken consultant Dean Bubley about 6G and what it may become. Bubley touches on the importance and challenges of indoor connectivity, the prospect of sub-THz spectrum and the three potential paths that 6G development may follow.

    WRC-23 Special – What were the key transport-related decisions?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 21:49


    In the third episode of our special series on the World Radio Conference, Access Partnership's Senior Engineering Manager Tural Aliyev explains what impact the some of the key transport-related WRC-23 decisions will have on the transport industry.

    decisions transport wrc access partnership
    Prof. William Webb on his new book "Emperor Ofcom's New Clothes"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 55:05


    Nearly 20 years ago UK regulator Ofcom adopted the approach that relying on free market forces is the best way to manage spectrum assets and ensure efficient use. Professor William Webb, who at the time was the director of Technology resources at Ofcom was deeply involved in setting this new course for spectrum policymaking. Today, 20 years later, Webb together with Professor Stephen Temple has taken an axe to this strategy in their new book. In this episode of our podcast, Webb discusses his new book with journalist Richard Haas and explains why it is so critical of the free market spectrum policy policies.

    WRC-23 Special - How will the ITU deal with the growth of the satellite industry?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 25:47


    For the coming weeks, PolicyTracker will cover key issues of the Radio World Conference. The second episode of this WRC-23 special discusses issues related to satellite agenda items. In this episode, we speak to ITU-R vice chair Florence Magnier on some of the major satellite agenda items that will be discussed at the conference.

    WRC-23 Special - What are the most contentious IMT issues?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 32:13


    For the coming weeks, PolicyTracker will cover key issues of the Radio World Conference. The first episode of this WRC-23 special features Martin Fenton, Director of Spectrum Analysis at Ofcom and Chairman of ITU-R Study Group 5. Fenton talks about the Radio Assembly, the upper 6 GHz band, UHF and the future of IMT bands.

    Is the 7-24 GHz range the new spectrum battlefield?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 24:00


    While the next generation of mobile technology, or 6G, is only expected to emerge around 2030, the industry is already considering what new spectrum bands could be opened up for mobile use. Some have expressed interest in various bands in the 7-24 GHz range. In fact, there are already proposals to study these bands at upcoming World Radiocommunication Conferences. However, the 7—24 GHz range is already extensively utilised by incumbents. In particular, the range encompasses many bands that are highly valuable for the satellite industry, including the Ku-band and the Ka-band. How will regulators decide who needs the spectrum the most, and who can deride the most benefit from these bands? In this episode, we speak to Richard Marsden, senior Managing Director at NERA Economic Consulting in New York about this conundrum.

    LiFi – is the industry ready to see the light?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 24:29


    PolicyTracker's podcast series continues with a look into Light Fidelity (LiFi) technology. Instead of using radio frequencies, this form of wireless communication transmits data through light. In this episode, PolicyTracker's Mirva Villa speaks with Professor Harald Haas, who is considered to be one of the LiFi technology's pioneers. He explains how the technology works and where the industry is headed.

    Can WiFi and mobile share the 6 GHz band? (feat. Ofcom)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 18:04


    The 6 GHz band is one of the most controversial issues in spectrum management. At the heart of this issue, there is a disagreement about who needs it most. The mobile industry argues that it is essential for the band to be assigned to mobile operators, while the WiFi industry says they need it. This leaves regulators in the middle, left to make a decision about who to believe. UK regulator Ofcom thinks it can do both. In this episode, Ofcom's director of spectrum policy and analysis Cristina Data speaks to PolicyTracker about its proposed “hybrid sharing” solution that would allow both technologies to co-exist in the band. UK regulator proposes hybrid framework for upper 6 GHz band News: China first in the world to set upper 6 GHz band aside for 5G and 6G Research: 6 GHz benchmarking update January 2023

    101: How do international spectrum agreements work? (feat. NTRA)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 24:39


    In November 2023, thousands of delegates will travel to Dubai for the World Radiocommunication Conference. For four weeks they will discuss the future of global communications. What is WRC-23? Why do we need the ITU? What are the key topics that will be discussed in Dubai? Martin Sims Managing Director of PolicyTracker asks Mohammed A. El-Moghazi, Director of International Policies at the National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA) to explain the basics. The next preparatory event in the lead-up to WRC-23 is the ITU's Global Symposium for Regulators 2023, which will be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, from 5 to 8 June 2023 in the Tonino Lamborghini Convention Center. The Symposium will have “Regulation for a sustainable digital future” as a key discussion point. Read more on this topic in Policytracker's guide to WRC-23.

    How can spectrum policy address the climate crisis?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 18:39


    The IT sector is responsible for around 2% of global carbon emissions. While various industries are working towards reducing their impact, there's still a lot of uncertainty about what spectrum regulators can do about the industry's greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode of the Spectrum Policy Podcast, PolicyTracker‘s Managing Director Martin Sims and journalist Laura Sear discuss what the industry and regulators are doing about the communications sector's carbon footprint, and consider whether there is a link between spectrum efficiency and sustainability.

    Satellite direct-to-device - What is it and what implications does it have for spectrum policymakers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 27:38


    A new type of service, satellite direct-to-device (D2D), is starting to take shape. And companies such as Apple and SpaceX are showing an interest. This new technology promises to connect directly to existing smartphones instead of satellite phones or special dishes. In the latest episode of the Spectrum Policy Podcast, PolicyTracker's Richard Haas speaks to veteran satellite consultant Tim Farrar about this new trend and considers the spectrum policy implications of re-using terrestrial mobile bands for satellite use, a controversial strategy being considered by various start-ups. Further reading: News: US regulator to allow satellite re-use of terrestrial spectrum News: German regulator raises concerns over AST SpaceMobile's plans Research: Overview of the satellite direct-to-device market

    Wholesale Mobile Networks - A dying model?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 21:44


    Single wholesale networks (SWNs)  once seemed like a “pretty neat idea”. Those who backed the concept claimed it would enable mobile coverage to be achieved everywhere, even reaching those parts of the country where mobile operators feared to tread (as there was no money to be made).  Sadly, things don't seem to have worked out that way. Almost everywhere that SWNs have been tried, things just don't seem to have worked out. Poland has abandoned its plan to adopt the wholesale approach for 5G in 700 MHz and Rwanda's wholesale 4G network will soon be opened to competition. Wholesale networks continue to operate in Malaysia and Mexico, but do these latest setbacks signal the beginning of the end for this approach? In our latest podcast, we consider whether the concerns which gave rise to single mobile networks are still relevant; whether they are now being met by other policy instruments; and whether this approach has a future in the 5G era. Further reading: Research note: Single wholesale mobile networks: a dying model? News: Rwanda and Poland scrap single wholesale networks News: New Malaysian PM pledges review of 5G single wholesale network

    Spectrum Policy 101 Episode 4: Do 5G and 6G change spectrum policy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 23:24


    We've been promised that 5G will make our devices faster and more efficient. But in order to achieve this, it will need access to significantly more of our airwaves. This episode explores how this new generation of mobile technology intersects with the world of spectrum policy. Professor William Webb of Access Partnership and Ulrich Rehfuess of Nokia explain which spectrum bands matter for 5G, and debate whether the latest mobile generation has lived up to its promise. Finally, we look towards the future and explore what 6G could bring. Marja Matinmikko-Blue from Oulu University in Finland outlines the priorities for 6G including an increased focus on spectrum sharing and placing more importance on sustainability targets. Further reading: Spectrum 101 - 5G spectrum Spectrum 101 - Why are 5G verticals important? Mobile operators say mmWave spectrum vital to meet future demand Relax 5G rollout requirements if you want to save energy, say French telcos European Commission takes next steps in 6G research

    Spectrum Policy 101 Episode 3: Successes and failures of spectrum liberalisation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 28:26


    By the 1990s many sectors including electricity, airlines and telecoms had been liberalised, moving from government to private control. Spectrum was no exception: rather than governments deciding who could access the airwaves, auctions were increasingly used for mobile spectrum, meaning the licence went to the highest bidder. But how well has this worked, considering that mobile ownership is no longer a nice-to-have luxury but an essential utility for living and working in the digital age? To debate this issue we speak to two leading economists, Professor Martin Cave and Professor Gerard Pogorel. Further reading: Spectrum 101: The pros and cons of spectrum auctions Spectrum Audit makes proposals to shift public sector thinking PolicyTracker marks the 20th anniversary of the Cave review of UK spectrum management Spectrum assignments need a rethink, say academics

    Spectrum Policy 101 Episode 2: Key events which shaped spectrum policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 33:59


    We have been communicating wirelessly for over 120 years and in this episode, we pick out the developments which mapped the future direction of spectrum policy. Professor Marc Raboy, author of “Marconi: the man who networked the world” explains the pioneer's role during the early wireless age. And Professor Thomas Hazlett, former chief economist at the FCC, walks us through the era of radio broadcasting chaos in the 1920s and the steps that eventually led to spectrum liberalisation. Further reading: Spectrum 101: What events have shaped spectrum policy? Celebrating 100 years of radio broadcasting

    Spectrum Policy 101 Episode 1: What is Spectrum Management?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 23:14


    An enormous number of devices use the spectrum, some bring in huge revenues, some are essential for safety of life and others are vital for scientific research. In this episode, spectrum management expert Richard Womersley and Peter Stuckmann, head of the Future Connectivity Systems unit at the European Commission shed light on the best approaches to regulating this vital resource. Further reading: Spectrum 101: Spectrum Management

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