Shows
Spectrum Policy PodcastDecoding 3GPP’s impact on spectrum policyPolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to 3GPP veteran Howard Benn about how the body works and how it intersects with spectrum policymaking.See more information about our upcoming training courses here.2025-06-0434 minSpectrum Policy PodcastThe impact of regulatory turmoil on 5G auctions in Latin AmericaPolicyTracker journalist Laura Sear talks to Guesseppe Gonzalez from Access Partnerships about 5G auctions and regulatory changes in Latin America.Download our new app SignalTracker2025-03-2545 minSpectrum Policy PodcastBEREC chair says regulators are not holding back 5G successPolicyTracker 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 SignalTracker2025-03-0731 minSpectrum Policy PodcastHow will Trump 2.0 reshape US spectrum policy?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 SignalTracker2025-02-2134 minSpectrum Policy PodcastAuction expert Peter Cramton proposes world-first MVNO solutionProfessor Cramton discusses how auctions approaches pioneered in the US electricity sector can help MVNOs in Thailand. 2025-02-1741 minSpectrum Policy PodcastIs Europe’s 6G spectrum strategy adrift?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 Vision2025-01-1528 minSpectrum Policy PodcastTop stories of 2024What 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.
2024-12-1645 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWhy is it so difficult to provide coverage for trains?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.2024-12-1137 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWilliam Webb: 6G can thrive without new spectrumIn 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 Webb2024-11-2234 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWhy Europe should embrace dynamic spectrum accessIn 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 assignment2024-08-2929 minSpectrum Policy PodcastThe future of PMSE spectrum (feat. Nada Abdelhafez)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
...2024-08-1220 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWhy some regulators are ditching cash-based spectrum auctionsSince 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 ro...2024-07-2928 minSpectrum Policy PodcastAre we reaching the 'End of Telecoms History'? (feat. Prof. William Webb)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 Webb2024-07-1136 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWRC-23 Special - How is the ITU defining 6G? (feat. Dean Bubley)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.2024-02-2026 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWRC-23 Special – What were the key transport-related decisions?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.2024-02-0621 minSpectrum Policy PodcastProf. William Webb on his new book "Emperor Ofcom’s New Clothes"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...2024-01-1755 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWRC-23 Special - How will the ITU deal with the growth of the satellite industry?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.2023-11-2825 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWRC-23 Special - What are the most contentious IMT issues?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. 2023-11-1632 minSpectrum Policy PodcastIs the 7-24 GHz range the new spectrum battlefield?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 th...2023-09-2824 minSpectrum Policy PodcastLiFi – is the industry ready to see the light?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.2023-09-0624 minSpectrum Policy PodcastCan WiFi and mobile share the 6 GHz band? (feat. Ofcom)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 pr...2023-07-1918 minSpectrum Policy Podcast101: How do international spectrum agreements work? (feat. NTRA)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...2023-05-1924 minSpectrum Policy PodcastHow can spectrum policy address the climate crisis?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.2023-05-0418 minSpectrum Policy PodcastSatellite direct-to-device - What is it and what implications does it have for spectrum policymakers?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:
Ne...2023-04-1327 minSpectrum Policy PodcastWholesale Mobile Networks - A dying model?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...2023-03-1321 min
Spectrum Policy PodcastSpectrum Policy 101 Episode 4: Do 5G and 6G change spectrum policy?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...2023-01-1623 minSpectrum Policy PodcastSpectrum Policy 101 Episode 3: Successes and failures of spectrum liberalisationBy 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 r...2023-01-1628 minSpectrum Policy PodcastSpectrum Policy 101 Episode 2: Key events which shaped spectrum policyWe 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 broadc...2023-01-1633 min
Spectrum Policy PodcastSpectrum Policy 101 Episode 1: What is Spectrum Management?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 Management2023-01-1323 min