As 2017 comes to a close, the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program invites you to join us as we celebrate and reflect over an exciting year marked by thoughtful, constructive discussions on a range of issues. The following “2017 Year In Review” series offers highlights from the various programs as well as insight into 2018 programming. For more information, please visit our homepage and or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
There is rapid growth in spectrum demand. With the emergence of 5G, Internet of Things, and unmanned vehicles, spectrum policy issues have become more complex. The 2017 Aspen Institute Roundtable on Spectrum Policy (AIRS) convened key decision makers from the telecommunications and information industries, user and consumer groups, academics, non-profit leaders and government to exchange valuable insights, and develop innovative recommendations regarding spectrum policy. Specifically, the 2017 Roundtable focused on the theme, “Rethinking Institutions of Spectrum Management,” and participants questioned whether there should be a different structure for spectrum management that could better serve spectrum-related needs.
The consensus is that there is a need for incremental change within the current institutional framework. Some ideas for change include sharpening economic incentives and reorganizing the FCC to eliminate siloed bureaus, among others; however, these changes are only possible through institutional leaders who are willing to move forward and bring the common vision to fruition.
The report from this year’s AIRS conference will be published in early 2018. For more information about the Roundtable, and to access reports from prior years, please visit our website.
