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Spectrum Policy Podcast

PolicyTracker

What is spectrum policy? Why do we need it? How is it used?

Spectrum policy is about managing the use of the airwaves by mobile phones, satellites and a huge range of other devices ranging from radio telescopes to garage door openers. How can we ensure that all these users get access to the spectrum while bringing the maximum benefits to society? This podcast brings together experts from engineering, economics and policy-making to discuss current issues.

It is brought to you by PolicyTracker, which produces a newsletter, research and training courses on spectrum management.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 33 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • Thursday · 29 min

    William Webb on the potential and dangers of 6G Sensing

    In this episode of the PolicyTracker Spectrum Podcast, Dr. Williams Webb joins reporter Carlos Jijon in a conversation about ISAC, a technological system that would fuse together sensing and communication. Webb' latest book, Beyond Communications - Can ISAC Provide a Rationale for 6G? , explores the potential of ISAC, as well as its many drawbacks. The applications of ISAC are numerous: everything from defence and autonomous vehicles to monitoring vulnerable people in hospitals. For Webb, it is one of the only concepts that could make 6G networks truly impactful for society, since they’re expected to have the ability to sense their surroundings. At the same time, however, the potential of a platform that unites sensing and communications is overshadowed by obstacles that include high costs and serious privacy concerns for consumers. Read more about spectrum policy on PolicyTracker.

  • March 24 · 32 min

    The future of auctions

    With the new Digital Networks Act and progress being made towards 6G and satellite services, what does the future hold for spectrum auctions? In this podcast, Richard Marsden, Managing Director at NERA Economic Consulting, speaks to PolicyTracker journalist Camilla Mina about what auctions will look like in a few years. Since 1999, Marsden has worked on advising buyers or sellers on format designs and bid strategy in more than a 100 auctions in 30 different countries. More on the subject is available through our ⁠spectrum research service.

  • March 4 · 32 min

    Iris² and the European Space Programme

    Direct-to-device (D2D) is the hot topic in the world of satellite regulation today. In areas without terrestrial coverage, a handset could connect to a Leo satellite directly to send messages and make calls - with companies such as Starlink and Amazon Leo launching hundreds of satellites to develop this service. PolicyTracker Journalist Cameron Hill speaks to European Commission Spectrum Manager, Dominic Hayes, about the EU's counter-proposal: Iris². Promising a secure and sovereign network for governmental services facilitated through satellite - can Iris² be an alternative for Europe? More on the subject is available through our spectrum research service.

  • February 13 · 38 min

    Decoding the EU's Digital Networks Act

    The EU Parliament and Council are currently discussing the Commission's Digital Network Act. It's a proposal for some significant changes to the European telco market and its spectrum governance. PolicyTracker's news editor, Laura Sear, speaks to Amit Nagpal, partner at Aetha Consulting, about the draft act. They discuss the details and possible impact of some key proposals, including perpetual licences, a Commission-led auction scrutiny board, EU-wide satellite licences, and the overhaul of spectrum policy advisory bodies. More on the subject in our EU Spectrum Policy Dossier.

  • January 5 · 25 min

    WRC-27's Three Biggest Agenda Items

    PolicyTracker journalists Cameron Hill and Laura Sear discuss the three most pressing and controversial issues in the long run-up to WRC-27. They tackle unauthorised satellite transmissions, new IMT bands and the topic of MSS in IMT bands - as well as introducing WRC-27 and explaining its processes.

  • Nov 21, 2025 · 27 min

    GNSS vulnerabilities explained

    PolicyTracker journalist Camilla Mina speaks to Logan Scott, independent consultant and expert in Position, Navigation and Timing about GNSS interferences and its current challenges. They discuss jamming and spoofing but also interferences from other services and ways to mitigate them.

  • Sep 18, 2025 · 26 min

    The real difference between MVNOs and MNOs

    PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to Cameron Hill, the lead author of a new white paper by SignalTracker which considers how the performance of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) differs from their parent networks. They explore the performance differences between MVNOs and their parent networks, uncovering insights into download speeds, reliability, and the value proposition for consumers.

  • Aug 28, 2025 · 31 min

    Wi-Fi Alliance CEO on the impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on the Wi-Fi industry

    The "Big Beautiful Bill", which sets out the budget for the US government and various other policies, was signed into law on July 4th. It mandates the FCC to auction 800 MHz of spectrum and has sparked concerns within the Wi-Fi industry due to the lack of explicit protections for Wi-Fi. PolicyTracker Journalist Richard Haas speaks to Wi-Fi Alliance CEO Kevin Robinson about its impact and potential risk to the Wi-Fi industry.

  • Jun 4, 2025 · 34 min

    Decoding 3GPP’s impact on spectrum policy

    PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to 3GPP veteran Howard Benn about how the body works and how it intersects with spectrum policymaking. See more information about our upcoming training courses ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

  • Feb 21, 2025 · 34 min

    How will Trump 2.0 reshape US spectrum policy?

    As Donald Trump begins his second term in office, PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge about Trump's spectrum policy priorities. News: New FCC and Congress mull spectrum auctions Download our new app SignalTracker

  • Jan 15, 2025 · 28 min

    Is Europe’s 6G spectrum strategy adrift?

    In this episode of the podcast, Journalist Richard Haas speaks to renowned academic Marja Matinmikko-Blue about the future of 6G spectrum policy in Europe. We discuss a new report published by the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) titled “6G strategic vision,” and discuss the research priorities currently being pursued in Europe as 6G approaches. Draft RSPG Report: 6G Strategic Vision

  • Dec 16, 2024 · 45 min

    Top stories of 2024

    What have been this year's important spectrum policy stories? In this podcast our experts nominate their top five. We'd like to get your vote as well! Please take part in our online poll.

  • Dec 11, 2024 · 37 min

    Why is it so difficult to provide coverage for trains?

    In this episode, PolicyTracker delves into the subject of rail connectivity with two industry experts. LS Telcom UK's Director Spectrum Services and Business Development Saul Friedner and Finnish ICT industry association FiCom’s Managing Director Elina Ussa cover practical challenges of providing coverage for customers and rail operations.

  • Nov 22, 2024 · 34 min

    William Webb: 6G can thrive without new spectrum

    In this episode, PolicyTracker journalist Richard Haas speaks to William Webb about his new book 'The 6G Manifesto'. They discuss how 6G is taking shape, and what implications it may have on spectrum policy. ⁠Amazon: The 6G Manifesto – Prof William Webb

  • Aug 29, 2024 · 29 min

    Why Europe should embrace dynamic spectrum access

    In the past few years, the United States has been at the forefront of new, innovative spectrum access systems. This includes CBRS (Citizen Broadband Radio Service) in the C-band and AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) in 6 GHz. In this episode of the podcast, we speak to Amit Nagpal of Aetha Consulting, who argues that Europe should embrace these technologies to avoid being left behind. Aetha: Why Europe needs to embrace dynamic spectrum assignment

  • Aug 12, 2024 · 20 min

    The future of PMSE spectrum (feat. Nada Abdelhafez)

    In this episode, we talk to Nada Abdelhafez, the Head of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs for Middle East and Africa at Shure, about the future of Programme Making & Special Events (PMSE) spectrum. We discuss what was decided at WRC-23 for PMSE spectrum, future bands that could be available for audio, production and events and the coexistence and possibilities between PMSE and DECT. CEPT draft revision of ERC Recommendation 25-10 on frequency use of PMSE applications PMSE usage increases as WRC-23 prepares to review UHF in Region 1 DECT NR+ seeks access to 3.8—4.2 GHz in Europe

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes