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Economics at the FCC 2023–24: Thirty Years of Spectrum Auctions, Open Internet Safeguards, Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability, and Advancing Rural 5G Coverage

Author

Listed:
  • Mark Azic

    (Federal Communications Commission)

  • Johannes M. Bauer

    (Federal Communications Commission
    Michigan State University)

  • Steven Kauffman

    (Federal Communications Commission)

  • Evan Kwerel

    (Federal Communications Commission)

  • Paul LaFontaine

    (Federal Communications Commission)

  • Jeffrey Ocker

    (Federal Communications Commission)

  • Molly Schwarz

    (Federal Communications Commission)

  • Martha Stancill

    (Federal Communications Commission)

Abstract

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission regulates the telecommunications and electronic media sectors, which involves Commission economists in a broad range of issues. We first review how economists helped develop, implement, and improve spectrum auction designs that resulted in three decades of sustained innovation in radio frequency management. Next, we discuss the role of economic research in the open Internet proceeding. Economists also developed tools and analyses related to the state of universal broadband access. Finally, we consider how economists contributed to the establishment of the 5G Fund, which is intended to improve advanced wireless connectivity in rural America.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Azic & Johannes M. Bauer & Steven Kauffman & Evan Kwerel & Paul LaFontaine & Jeffrey Ocker & Molly Schwarz & Martha Stancill, 2024. "Economics at the FCC 2023–24: Thirty Years of Spectrum Auctions, Open Internet Safeguards, Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability, and Advancing Rural 5G Coverage," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 65(4), pages 831-874, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:revind:v:65:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s11151-024-10002-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11151-024-10002-0
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • L12 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Monopoly; Monopolization Strategies
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • L88 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Government Policy

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