Three decades ago, the inaugural spectrum auction marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of wireless communication, catapulting America into the forefront of this industry on a global scale. This revolutionary concept was so impactful that it not only earned a Nobel Prize in Economics but also inspired over 100 countries—each eager to emulate its success. In honor of this landmark achievement, a series of new interviews are being unveiled to illuminate the courage, vision, and perseverance of the pioneers who played crucial roles in this transformative process.
Despite strong bipartisan support, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority to oversee spectrum auctions now faces significant jeopardy. To nurture sustained economic competitiveness and drive future innovations for the next three decades, it is imperative that we draw lessons from our past successes. Renewing the FCC's auction authority is essential to fostering a resilient and dynamic spectrum pipeline that can support the ever-growing demands of modern technology.