Spectrum Reform

Spectrum Reform

Research

Consumer Welfare and TV Program Regulation

Bruce M. Owen | May 24, 2012
Getting rid of obsolete regulation of the broadcast and distribution of video pro- gramming is essential to the efficient operation of a market that has the potential to greatly increase the benefits to consumers.

The Federal Communication Commission's Excellent Mobile Competition Adventure

Thomas Hazlett | Nov 21, 2011
Welcome to the Federal Communications Commission‘s 15th Annual Report and Analysis of Competitive Market Conditions With Respect to Mobile Wireless, released June 27, 2011. The FCC Report makes mistakes with the Commission‘s own data. It contains typos. It omits crucial, relevant, and available facts. It wastes page after page discussing tangential issues. This paper discusses the economic implications of the FCC's actions.

Testimony & Comments

Mobile Wireless Competition Notice of Inquiry

Jerry Brito, Jerry Ellig | Oct 07, 2009
In this Public Interest Comment, Senior Research Fellows Jerry Brito and Jerry Ellig discuss the best ways to analyze competition within mobile wireless…

Fostering Innovation and Investment in the Wireless Communications Market

Jerry Brito, Jerry Ellig | Oct 02, 2009
In this Public Interest Comment, Senior Research Fellows Jerry Brito and Jerry Ellig discuss the best ways to overcome barriers to innovation and investment in the wireless communications market.

Expert Commentary

Free WiFi For the Masses? Not So Fast

Washington Examiner
By Jerry Brito |
Feb 08, 2013

A free, nationwide, ad-supported wireless network provided by Google or anyone else would certainly be a great thing, but it shouldn't rely on shortcuts. Not only should new entrants have to build out their own network infrastructure, but they should have to buy their spectrum at auction, too.

Spectrum Sales Could Decrease the Deficit and Help Consumers

By Jerry Brito |
Oct 19, 2011

Experts

Jerry Brito

Jerry Brito is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center and directs the Technology Policy Program. His primary research interests are technology and telecommunications policy, government transparency and accountability, and the regulatory process.

Jerry Ellig

Jerry Ellig is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. His primary research interests include the federal regulatory process, economic regulation, and telecommunications regulation.

Adam Thierer

Adam Thierer is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University with the Technology Policy Program. His primary research interests are technology, media, Internet, and free speech policy issues, with a particular focus on online child safety and digital privacy policy issues.

Recent Events

The FCC's Wireless Competition Report: A Preview

Every year since 1995, the Federal Communications Commission has released a report on the state of competition in the wireless market, and it will soon release the fifteenth. How the report determines the state of competition in the wireless market could affect regulatory policy and how the Commission looks at proposed mergers.

Media Clippings

The Department of Justice vs. AT&T

Jerry Brito | Aug 31, 2011
Jerry Brito was cited in a Reason blog post on the Department of Justice vs. AT&T case.

How U.S. Wireless Rates Compare to the Rest of the World

Jerry Brito | Aug 19, 2011
Jerry Brito blogged at Time’s Techland about US wireless rates.

Can Your iPhone Fix the Debt Ceiling Mess?

Jerry Brito | Jul 28, 2011
Jerry Brito has a new post on Techland that looks at the possibility of a debt ceiling deal increasing the amount of spectrum available for cell phone companies.

How iPhones And Androids Ushered In A Smartphone Pricing Revolution

Adam Thierer | Jul 10, 2011
Adam Thierer writes about new smartphone priceing structures for Forbes.