Advancing Spectrum Strategy Across the Americas: A Review of the 14th Americas Spectrum Management Conference

The 14th Americas Spectrum Management Conference took place at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., hosting two days of high-level discussions on 30-31 October. The event gathered a powerful cross-section of regulators, industry leaders, satellite operators, mobile ecosystem representatives, and international stakeholders, delivering dynamic dialogue, new insights, and extensive networking opportunities.

Day One opened with keynote remarks from Olivia Trusty, Commissioner, FCC, and Arielle Roth, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information & Administrator of the NTIA calling for coordinated, flexible spectrum policy that supports innovation across 5G, 6G, satellite, and shared systems. Also a keynote contribution from Ajit Pai, President & CEO of CTIA, and Hon. Cory Gardner, President & CEO of NCTA, reinforced the need for bold action to sustain U.S. leadership -freeing new bands, advancing key studies, and preparing early for WRC-27. Sessions explored the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the 800 MHz pipeline target, and the realities of repurposing federal spectrum, alongside an “all-of-the-above” mix of licensed, shared, and unlicensed approaches. Later discussions tackled delivering more C-band spectrum, modernizing satellite sharing rules, and the growing role of CBRS as a mature platform for private networks and enterprise innovation.

Day Two shifted to implementation and global positioning. Speakers stressed that NTIA and FCC alignment must be matched by stronger regional collaboration through CITEL and faster development of U.S. WRC-27 proposals, especially as China builds competing coalitions. Panels emphasized expanding technology-neutral sharing models beyond CBRS, improving cross-sector coordination, and protecting unlicensed access. The final discussion spotlighted broadband deployment momentum under BEAD and the 5G Fund, with calls to streamline permitting, avoid program overlap, and pair rollout with affordability and adoption measures to fully close the digital divide.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the 14th Americas Spectrum Management Conference. Over two days, the conference welcomed 350+ delegates, featured 47 expert speakers across 10 sessions, and provided around eight hours of dedicated networking opportunities.

We’re grateful for the insights, and collaboration that made this year’s discussions so valuable, and we look forward to continuing the conversation as part of the Global Spectrum Series 2026. Learn more here.

Missed the Event? Watch the Highlights!

Thank You to Our Partners

We extend our sincere thanks to all partners and supporting organizations whose contributions made this year’s conference possible.

What’s next?

The Global Spectrum Series hosts connectivity conferences across 7 regions globally, take a look at the next events taking place:

Future Connectivity Summit 2026

🗓️ 18-19 February | 📍 Brussels, Belgium

12th Asia-Pacific Spectrum Management Conference

🗓️ 11-12 March | 📍 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Find out more about our regional events on the Global Spectrum Series website or through our newsletter.