In this episode of the TeleGeography Explains the Internet podcast, FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington joins the show for a deep dive into the evolving world of spectrum allocation, broadband infrastructure, submarine cable policy, and cybersecurity. With a unique background in finance, law, and policy, Simington offers an interesting perspective on the complexities of the current telecom environment and where federal policy is headed.
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation.
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Modernizing Spectrum Use: More Than Just Real Estate
A major theme of the conversation is that while some spectrum is high quality and some is less useful, a longstanding challenge has been deciding who gets the premium spectrum and for what use. Simington argues that traditional, rigid spectrum allocation models are increasingly outdated. Instead, he encourages thinking about how new technologies like fixed wireless access (FWA) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites can make more efficient use of available frequencies.
The Commissioner also weighs in on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), calling it an "unwritten story" with potential for disruption. While some criticize its mid-band, open-access model as a barrier to uniform engineering, cities like Las Vegas have used CBRS to build cost-effective municipal networks—proof of its unique utility. Spectrum auctions, once a powerful market-based tool for discovering value, are now too pre-engineered to be truly dynamic, Simington says. He emphasizes the need for more open-ended frameworks that foster innovation and accommodate unexpected advances.
On unlicensed spectrum, Simington praises the ingenuity that turned “junk bands” like 2.4 GHz into critical connectivity infrastructure. He suggests regulators should revisit 5 GHz to enable better power management and coordination—especially as global standards diverge in the 6 GHz band.
Broadband and the BIL: Multimodal is the Future
Turning to broadband development, Simington reflects on the $65 billion allocated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. While fiber remains a gold standard, he warns that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Given the geographic and economic realities of the U.S., Simington champions the role of FWA and LEO as key players in closing the digital divide—especially in areas where fiber is cost-prohibitive.
He also notes that about 20% of U.S. households are mobile-only users, making wireless a more logical fit for many underserved communities. Technological progress and competitive service models are making wireless a strong, and often preferable, broadband solution.
Submarine Cables and National Security
Though underappreciated, submarine cables carry most of the world’s internet traffic. Simington calls for a refreshed regulatory approach, one that balances national security with streamlined deployment. While the FCC historically played a minor role here, Simington believes it’s time for the Commission to more actively support cable deployment, ensure security, and engage with both private and public stakeholders to monitor threats like anchor dragging or suspicious AIS activity.
Cybersecurity and the Expanding Threat Perimeter
Simington addresses the FCC’s new Cyber Trust Mark, a program aimed at identifying secure consumer IoT devices. He stresses that OEMs must be incentivized to treat user security as a core feature—not an afterthought. While regulatory capacity is limited, Simington sees collaboration with industry, other federal agencies, and even the White House as essential to improving cyber hygiene at scale.
As connectivity expands in every direction—through spectrum, broadband, subsea cables, and IoT—the FCC's regulatory strategies must evolve to keep pace, Commissioner Simington says.
