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Articles by Michael O'Rielly
Michael O'Rielly
Michael O'Rielly is principal at MPORielly Consulting, LLC, a visiting fellow at the Hudson Institute's Center for the Economics of the Internet and a senior fellow at the Media Institute. |
Opinion: A SpaceX terrestrial wireless network could be challenging Original
A few weeks ago, SpaceX signaled interest in building its own terrestrial wireless network. The move jolted the communications sector and raised a simple question: does SpaceX really plan to enter a mature, fiercely competitive market, or is something else at work? Building a fourth, nationwide U.S. wireless network would require massive time, capital and execution, while other routes may be more practical.
Michael O'Reilly: Making Progress on D2D Satellite Services
The massive rebirth of the American satellite industry has produced one of the hottest, most compelling sectors in communications. While fixed satellite broadband has dominated the conversation over satellite’s resurgence so far, mobile broadband available anywhere in the world is likely to be the next big thing, giving consumers greater smartphone mobility and connectivity.
Yes To an E-Rate Reality Check
For more than thirty years, American communications users—really, American consumers—have been charged roughly $1 billion to $3 billion a year to subsidize Internet and related services for schools and libraries through the government's E-Rate program, which is one component of what's called the “Universal Service Fund.” That is a lot of compulsory generosity. Yet only now are policymakers asking the obvious question: Is this money helping students learn—or is it doing harm?
America’s railroads could learn a lot from wireless networks
Americans depend on our national rail network in much the same way we depend on wireless networks: to connect communities and keep our economy running. But the two sectors have very different footprints on the map, leading to very different outcomes—and it is time railroads get the chance to catch up with the wireless marketplace. Over the past decades, private investment has transformed U.S. wireless networks into a largely seamless, nationwide system.
This railroad merger could give America a truly national system
This railroad merger could give America a truly national system (washingtonpost.com) This railroad merger could give America a truly national system By Michael O'Rielly 2026052910160300 Americans depend on our national rail network in much the same way we depend on wireless networks: to connect communities and keep our economy running.
TMI Embraces Too Much Information
For many of us, The Media Institute – an esteemed forum for convening, debating, and defending the First Amendment’s protections for American media – is affectionately known as “TMI.” In an acronym-heavy town, could that be confused with the slang meaning, “Too Much Information”? Probably not. But even if it were, the label would still fit in context: The Institute champions the media industry’s access to and right to disseminate a broad range of information.
Michael O'Rielly: Paramount Deal Doesn’t Trigger Foreign Ownership Concerns
After months of a publicly contested bidding war over the Warner Bros./Discovery assets, Paramount ultimately prevailed. The company now moves to the deal review and approval process with government officials, which will allow the transaction to close in full. Then it can focus on delivering rich media content to consumers worldwide. One area that shouldn’t cause consternation among regulators is the foreign ownership aspects of Paramount’s financing package.
Commentary: FCC’s decision paves way for millions of Americans to get internet access
Almost five years ago, families without broadband access were promised that the federal government had a plan to help. After the Trump administration revamped and supercharged the wayward $43 billion BEAD program , we’re close to delivering on that promise. Yet new challenges — in the unlikely form of access to utility poles that broadband builders need to use — are sprouting like springtime weeds.
Opinion: Open AI models are essential for US national security Original
Many telecom companies learned a tough lesson in the 2010s: troubled Chinese technology can carry hidden costs and risks. Today, just a handful of years since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) formally designated Chinese 5G equipment from provider Huawei a national security threat to U.S. communications networks, America is potentially poised to relearn this lesson.
Modernizing Video Competition: Policy Solutions for the Digital Age
Feb 12, 2026 12:00pm EST SD-G11, Dirksen Senate Office Building About: Join the International Center for Law and Economics on Capitol Hill for a keynote by Adam Candeub, General Counsel of the FCC, as he breaks down the current video competition landscape. Afterward, Professor Candeub will lead a panel of experts to discuss the “great convergence” of video. Consumers no longer care about the technical difference between cable and streaming; they just want to watch their favorite shows.
O'Rielly's TMT Whiteboard: Five Stars for FCC's Delete, Delete, Delete
Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one? VIEW JOBS In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers. Contact Carley Ashley, , for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.
Reshaping the Commercial Privacy Narrative
In the great conundrum that is comprehensive commercial privacy legislation, congratulations are due. The good news is that the House Energy and Commerce Committee – led by Chairman Guthrie and Vice Chairman Joyce – has taken an appropriate step to regroup and formulate a sound, substantive foothold.
O'Rielly's TMT Whiteboard: NAB Show 2025 from Afar
Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one? VIEW JOBS In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers. Contact Carley Ashley, , for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.
Bringing Forbearance to Video Services
The communications sector is beset by layers upon layers of unnecessary government burdens. While visible in many areas, obsolete policies fastened to traditional video providers – some of which were chiseled over 40 years ago – are clearly ready for the delete button. Yet, erasing outdated regulations, even if there’s universal agreement, takes massive amounts of time and Herculean effort to overcome the procedural hoops and eventual court challenges.
O'Rielly's TMT Whiteboard: Telecom M&A to be Welcomed Again?
Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one? VIEW JOBS In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers. Contact Carley Ashley, , for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.
O'Rielly's TMT Whiteboard: Celebrate AI in Communications Customer Service
Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one? VIEW JOBS In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers. Contact Carley Ashley, , for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.
The Bipartisan Case for the Affordable Connectivity Program
Today’s interconnected world makes it hard to imagine a day or more without internet access, but that may soon be the reality for millions of Americans when funding for a critical federal program runs out. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a monthly subsidy to eligible low-income households to help pay their monthly broadband bill.
Commentary: Biden administration is holding Virginia hostage
Virginia’s much-needed rural broadband expansion is being threatened by the Biden administration’s back-door attempt to force a harmful rate regulation mandate on the commonwealth that Congress has expressly forbidden. When Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it dedicated $42.45 billion to build out broadband to unserved areas of the country.
The Biden administration should not stop at 20 miles of border wall
The Biden administration is reluctantly embracing common sense on border security. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it will construct about 20 miles of border wall in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.
Biden is coming after your Amazon Prime, and he’s backed by Soros money
As we know, woke things turn to rubbish. The Biden administration’s latest woke gambit? Following the bidding of George Soros -funded groups to destroy Amazon Prime and other Amazon features that make everyday goods more affordable and accessible for poor and middle-class shoppers. Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan last month unleashed her assault, along with 17 states, suing Amazon and alleging monopolistic practices. But Khan wouldn’t make things more competitive.
What the push to 'tax Big Tech' gets wrong
Many Americans may be unaware that deep in communications policy lies an obscure, complex set of federal subsidy programs, collectively referred to as the Universal Service Fund. By almost all accounts, USF is due for some serious corrections. Unfortunately, rather than addressing reform holistically and reassessing what USF programs are paying for, some advocates have focused myopically on changing who pays for them. Their proposed solution?
Lower 12 GHz can be a win-win-win for consumers, competition and U.S. leadership
The Federal Communications Commission has lost—albeit hopefully temporarily—its authority to conduct spectrum auctions. But luckily for consumers and industry, the agency still has tools to make desperately needed mid-band spectrum immediately available for terrestrial broadband uses. Thanks to changes in technology, the landscape around the lower 12 GHz band (12.2-12.7 MHz) has evolved significantly over the last several years.
Lower 12 GHz can be a win-win-win for consumers, competition and U.S. leadership - O'Reilly Original
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has lost – albeit hopefully temporarily – its authority to conduct spectrum auctions, but luckily for consumers and industry, the agency still has tools to make desperately needed mid-band spectrum immediately available for terrestrial broadband uses. Thanks to changes in technology, the landscape around the lower 12 GHz band (12.2-12.7 MHz) has evolved significantly over the last several years.
The FCC’s Nonexistent Role in Internet Streaming (B+C Guest Blog)
The explosive rise of online streaming video services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube has dramatically altered the consumer experience for video content unlike anything seen since the advent of color television. And while gallons of ink have been spilled analyzing streamers’ threat to the cable TV business, streaming has also massively disrupted local television broadcasters’ economics — both in terms of advertising revenue and fees for retransmission rights.
The FCC’s Nonexistent Role in Internet Streaming (B+C Guest Blog)
The explosive rise of online streaming video services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube has dramatically altered the consumer experience for video content unlike anything seen since the advent of color television. And while gallons of ink have been spilled analyzing streamers’ threat to the cable TV business, streaming has also massively disrupted local television broadcasters’ economics — both in terms of advertising revenue and fees for retransmission rights.
Protecting Key Semiconductor Intellectual Property
America’s continued economic success relies, in part, on a strong market-based structural and legal regime that protects and rewards creativity and innovation. Intellectual property (IP) is the special sauce that is central to the creation of software, smartphones, and a wealth of new products that reach the market nearly every day: a recent government report estimated that IP-intensive industries accounted for 44% of all U.S. employment.
Op-Ed: Protecting Key Semiconductor Intellectual Property
America’s continued economic success relies, in part, on a strong market-based structural and legal regime that protects and rewards creativity and innovation. Intellectual property (IP) is the special sauce that is central to the creation of software, smartphones, and a wealth of new products that reach the market nearly every day: a recent government report estimated that IP-intensive industries accounted for 44% of all U.S. employment.
The quality of mercy is not popular these days
Justice , diversity , equity, inclusion, faith, patriotism , law and order — all of these concepts or catchphrases are in vogue these days. Mercy, very clearly, is not. REPUBLICANS SHOULD CONTINUE TO RUN AGAINST LOCKDOWNS The Catholic Church, the week after Easter, celebrated “Divine Mercy Sunday,” a new feast instituted by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Divine mercy and human mercy are distinct but related concepts.
Sen. Bill Cassidy shows Biden and Trump what leadership looks like on Social Security
Give Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) credit for being one of the few national legislators with enough guts to insist that major reforms will be needed to save Social Security . One idea in particular, that of creating a separate investment plan apart from Social Security but whose proceeds are dedicated to the retirement program, is worthy of extensive consideration.
Second chances are the public safety opportunity we can’t afford to miss
Without a doubt, Americans are concerned about crime. In 2022, Gallup reported that a record 56% of Americans believed crime had gone up in their area, though crime rates, with the important exception of homicides, remain near historical lows. Despite an 18-year slide in crime that included the height of bipartisan criminal justice reform efforts, Gallup’s follow-up survey in January 2023 found that nearly 75% of Americans believe crime will go up this year.
Electric vehicle makers are threatening public safety
Electric vehicles are more popular than ever before among consumers. Today, there are an estimated 2.5 million EVs on American roads, and the excitement of EVs’ potential has infected certain policymakers, who to decree that EVs be the only permissible vehicles within their borders. But the EV growth picture is not all rosy: Some automobile manufacturers of these vehicles are turning back the dial in a way that could affect public safety.
Extend Auction Authority Now
Having served for decades as a government policymaker and regulator, my experience suggests that it is not exactly rare to see federal programs misfire, or worse, completely waste taxpayer funds. For those select instances, however, when programs are efficient and effective, successes must be celebrated and continued. That is precisely the case for the Federal Communications Commission’s spectrum auction authority.
Michael O'Rielly, Author at InsideSources
Michael O'Rielly is a former FCC Commissioner and a twenty-year staff member of the U.S. Senate and House focusing on technology and telecommunications policy. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Extend Auction Authority Now – InsideSources
Having served for decades as a government policymaker and regulator, my experience suggests that it is not exactly rare to see federal programs misfire, or worse, completely waste taxpayer funds. For those select instances, however, when programs are efficient and effective, successes must be celebrated and continued. That is precisely the case for the Federal Communications Commission’s spectrum auction authority.
Strategic Improvements to Media Regulations
To quote the proverbial infomercial announcer, “But wait, there’s more!” Nearly every month under the current Commission, we have considered items to improve the media regulation landscape for our nation’s treasured broadcasters. Considered on their own, many of these actions may seem limited in their significance.
O’Rielly: Boring telephone poles are secret to more broadband
Infrastructure is a hot topic these days as Congress considers ways to make multi-trillion dollar investments in areas of disrepair or to fund new projects. A critical infrastructure component has been excluded from the discussion: Telephone poles. These poles, along with rights-of-way, are essential to bringing high-speed broadband to unserved Americans and offering new choices.
Boring Poles Are Secret to More Broadband – InsideSources
Infrastructure is a hot topic these days as Congress considers ways to make multi-trillion dollar investments in areas of disrepair or to fund new projects. Notwithstanding what anyone thinks of these efforts, a critical infrastructure component has been excluded from the discussion: Telephone poles. These poles, along with rights-of-way, are essential to bringing high-speed broadband to unserved Americans and offering new choices.
FCC Action Generates More Local News
For those of us who follow the broadcast industry closely, seeing examples of local broadcasters continuing to invest in their local news programming, and even expanding coverage, during the last few troubling months has been encouraging, though not surprising.
Removing Unnecessary Barriers and Maximizing Competition in USF Auctions
In striving to bring broadband access to all unserved Americans within existing funding constraints, the FCC must stretch scarce Universal Service Fund (USF) dollars as far as possible.
More Media Modernization: Program Carriage Process & Cable Operator Interests Recordkeeping
By any measure, the FCC rules governing the U.S. media industry are not well aligned with the current competitive marketplace. Thanks to Chairman Pai and a Commission with feet firmly grounded in the real world, we have implemented a host of reforms to minimize undue burdens on regulated entities in accord with our statutory obligations. Many of these changes have received broad bipartisan support within the Commission and among interested parties. Notwithstanding this success, much work remains.
Repairing the Must Vote Timing
While I previously proposed fixes to improve the circulation process by making the documents public and addressing what amounts to stale items and those converted to Open Meeting items, we also need to update and improve the process for voting circulation items. Unlike items disposed of at the Commission’s monthly Open Meetings, items circulated to Commissioners for consideration outside of the meetings (those on the Circulation List) have no voting deadline until they enter “must vote” status.
Substantive Objections to a Government 5G Wholesale Network
Over the last few months, various ideas have been floated about the offering of 5G wireless services via a government-sponsored network. This entire effort seems convoluted and borders on the preposterous. Just the notion of the U.S. moving away from the highly-successful, private-sector led approach that is responsible for our country’s premier position globally would be a serious misstep.
A Needed USF Budgetary Cap
A lot of foolish policy ideas are floated in Washington, DC, so it’s fortuitous when the federal government undertakes thoughtful and sensible policy reform. The FCC recently chose the latter and better course last week when an item was circulated to Commissioners to begin a rulemaking that would establish a much-needed and overdue budget for the agency’s Universal Service Fund (USF).
Further Improving the FCC's Procedures
One fundamental obligation of a regulatory body is to constantly scrutinize its internal workings and processes. Failure to do so can undermine an entity's efficiency, openness, fairness, and credibility and compromise its ability to respond to changing market conditions. Further, governmental bodies that neglect to update their internal procedures are inclined to continually patch over problems or conduct workarounds — i.e., applying tape to a leaky faucet, rather than fixing its main cause.
Muni Broadband’s Ominous Threat to the First Amendment
As a staunch supporter of limited government and free speech, I have regularly objected to government attempts to own and control the nation’s communications networks. Historically and in many current societies throughout the world, governments have repressed the free exchange of ideas and information, often to serve the interests of domineering political leaders in undemocratic nations.
Children’s Television Programming: 21st Century Technology Update Needed
(Pixabay) Children’s-programming requirements must be revised to take account of current technology. Congress passed the 1990 Children’s Television Act to tie broadcast-license renewals, the main asset of a local station, with a fairly general obligation to air educational and informational programming for children. Over the years, the Federal Communications Commission has imposed multiple rounds of added burdens on broadcasters under the premise of implementing the law.
FCC Regulatory Free Arena
As consequential as the FCC can be in communications policy, it is critical for those in leadership positions to acknowledge that its authority and reach is inherently limited. In fact, current law prevents the Commission from having any role or oversight over numerous modern technologies central to many Americans' communications habits. This universe is often called the app economy or gig environment, but we should also call it for what it really is: an FCC regulatory free arena.
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