TechTank What to expect from Trump’s FCC?
Mar 10, 2025
Tom Wheeler, the former FCC chairman under Obama and author of 'Tech Lash', discusses the evolving landscape of the FCC under the Trump administration. He highlights the potential rollback of diversity initiatives and the challenges of spectrum auctions critical for 5G rollout. Wheeler also raises alarms about political influence on public interest decisions, touching on concerns around censorship. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing broadband access and cybersecurity, as well as the implications for artificial intelligence and network security.
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Spectrum Auction Challenges
- The FCC needs Congressional authorization to auction spectrum, which has lapsed for years.
- Recaptured AWS-3 spectrum and potential repurposing from the SES-Intelsat merger offer interim solutions.
Space Policy and LEOs
- Elon Musk's influence in the current administration may give him a significant voice in space policy.
- Low Earth Orbit satellites have a role in US and global connectivity.
Censorship and Public Interest
- Brendan Carr's focus on a "censorship cartel" and the public interest standard is seen as politicized.
- Carr's interpretation of public interest is vague and open to abuse, raising concerns about coercion.