Innovation and Technology Policy Center

The Innovation & Technology Policy Center (ITPC) was created to increase the prominence of issues of great significance to CAGW, many of which have been at the forefront of the organization’s work since it was established in 1984. The issues covered by the ITPC include, but are not limited to, aerospace, antitrust, biopharmaceuticals, broadband, information technology, intellectual property rights, privacy, spectrum, and telecommunications.
The ITPC reviews current laws and regulations at the federal and state levels of government since they affect the inventions and innovations of tomorrow, with a focus on ensuring that new technologies are created under light-touch regulatory regimes, rather than heavy-handed decrees.
The ITPC enables CAGW to take on special projects on issues related to its mission to reduce waste, fraud, mismanagement, and abuse in government.
The ITPC benefits from the leadership of Executive Director/CAGW Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs Deborah Collier and CAGW President Tom Schatz, who have a combined 78 years of experience in many of the issues that are included in the ITPC’s mission.
The Latest from ITPC
Wireless Taxes are Costly for Consumers
Wireless tax increases can burden families and can lead to pay for projects unrelated to telecommunications.
The Asymmetrical Consequences of Symmetrical Speeds
Broadband speed requirements should not be increased when many don't have internet access at the current threshold.
The PRO Act Will Infringe on the Freedom of Workers
The Protecting Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) will bring harm to workers and infringe on their rights.
States Should Make Telemedicine Measures Permanent
State legislatures should work to make telemedicine permanent for patients even after the coronavirus pandemic.
A Silver Anniversary Worth Noting
A path forward for telecommunications on the 25th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Reforms are Needed for Financing the Universal Service Fund
The current funding mechanism for the Universal Service Fund is unsustainable and needs to be reviewed.
States Should Let Congress Take the Lead on Consumer Privacy Laws
While states should act in the interests of their residents when necessary, privacy is not one of those issues.
Top 21 Issues for States in 2021
As states prepare for their legislative sessions, CAGW suggests states should focus on these 21 critical issues.
CAGW Files Comments Regarding Use of Distributed Transmission System Technologies
On December 11, 2020, CAGW filed comments with the FCC urging the agency to hold off voting on a proposal that would allow for increased signals for Next Generation TV that could disrupt the use of TV white space technology for rural broadband...
FCC Commences C-Band Auction
On February 28, 2020, the FCC adopted a report and order designating a portion of the c-band spectrum to be auctioned for 5G deployment.
Pai’s Policies at the FCC Should Be Continued
It is sad to imagine an FCC without the candor, intelligence, and wit of the outgoing Chairman.
Most Favored Nation Policy Is Unfavorable to U.S. Biopharmaceutical Research
Back in September, President Trump signed an Executive Order ordering the Department of Health and Human Services to implement a most favored nation (MFN) policy for pharmaceutical reimbursement in Medicare.