The Future of American Spectrum Policy: Is DoD’s Request for Information the Best Direction?

**Please be advised: This event will premiere on this page at 3:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, October 14.**

Join Hudson Institute for a conversation with FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, former FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, and Former Ambassador and Special Advisor Grace Koh to discuss the Defense Department’s Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) Request for Information. Hudson Senior Fellow Harold Furchtgott-Roth will moderate the conversation.

In an effort to advance 5G technologies, the Trump Administration recently released to the FCC additional spectrum from the Defense Department for commercial use. The RFI seeks information about how DoD might lease spectrum for commercial use, including in the same band previously released to the FCC. DoD still operates in large portions of mid- and low-band spectrum considered optimal for the development of 5G technologies.

Concerns have been raised, most notably from members of Congress, about how DoD can own and operate 5G networks and lease capacity to commercial users on government-owned networks. The DoD’s Request for Information also solicits input from the telecom industry on how best to develop and to deploy dynamic spectrum sharing for civilian and military users. As the United States races against China to build 5G networks, industry carriers point to their successful private sector-led efforts to deploy 4G, noting the industry’s capacity for 5G technology innovation.

Commissioners O’Rielly and McDowell and Amb. Koh will discuss the DoD’s RFI, potential implications, and how industry and the government stakeholders can ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in 5G network deployment.