New Public Knowledge Paper Proposes Public Interest Framework To Create a Better Wireless Future

New paper proposes adopting a model rooted in core public interest principles to help guide us toward a wireless future that serves all Americans.

Today, we’re happy to announce our newest white paper, “Back to the Spectrum Future: The 20th Anniversary of the Spectrum Policy Task Force,” by Public Knowledge Policy Counsel Kathleen Burke.

The paper proposes adopting a backcasting model rooted in core public interest principles to help guide our spectrum policymakers toward a wireless future that serves and includes all Americans. It argues that a value-based spectrum policy framework allows us to envision a future where everyone has access to reliable and affordable telecommunications services – and then provides a path toward it.

This paper applies the proposed public interest backcasting model to two key issues that the SPTF addressed: (1) spectrum efficiency and (2) spectrum access models. The paper also addresses two blind spots that the SPTF failed to consider: (1) the stakeholder dynamic and its zero-sum game fallacy and (2) spectrum policy’s impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Policymakers must consider these aspects of spectrum policy if they hope to create a wireless future that benefits everyone.

The following can be attributed to Kathleen Burke, Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge:

“Wireless innovations can transform how we live and work, giving us the opportunity to create a wireless future that puts people first. This includes a world where everyone has access to reliable and affordable telecommunications services; where spectrum is used effectively to meet the needs of all users; and where ample spectrum powers innovative technologies that improve our safety and increase our access to education, economic, and cultural opportunities. 

“In short, we have a chance to make the wireless future a good one, but it comes down to what we’re willing to work together to achieve – either a digitally divided society where only a privileged few benefit from new technologies, or a world where everyone does. The future is what we make of it.”

You may view the paper here. You may also view our blog post, “Back to the Spectrum Future: How a Public Interest Framework Can Create a Wireless Future that Benefits Us All,” for more information.

Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.