Research

My research examines the evolution of broadband communications technologies and the engineering, economic, and public policy decisions that shape their development. I use interdisciplinary research methods that integrate network engineering, engineering economics, telecommunications policy, and Internet measurement to better understand how communications infrastructure evolves and how public policy can encourage innovation, investment, and competition.

Current research spans broadband infrastructure, Internet performance measurement, broadband reliability, spectrum management, digital divide policy, and next-generation wireless systems. Although these topics are diverse, they share a common objective: understanding how communications networks evolve and how engineering and policy decisions influence that evolution.

For a formal list of all publications, download my CV or go to my Google Scholar link.

Broadband Reliability and Internet Measurement

Overview

Reliable broadband has become as important as broadband speed in supporting modern applications and digital services. My current research develops methodologies for comparing broadband performance, reliability, and availability data found in large-scale Internet measurement datasets. A major focus is the longitudinal analysis of the FCC's Measuring Broadband America program to characterize how broadband performance has evolved over time and to develop new metrics that better inform broadband policy, infrastructure investment, and regulatory decision making.

Representative Publications

Reed, D., Schnitzer, J., & Sekar, D. (2025). Benchmarking Internet Progress: Analysis of FCC's Broadband Performance Data. Proceedings of the 33rd International Telecommunications Society (ITS) European Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Schnitzer, J., Reed, D., & Gandhi, A. (2024). Where Has the Time Gone? Examining Over a Decade of Broadband Latency Measurements. Network Traffic Measurement and Analysis (TMA) Conference, Dresden, Germany.
Reed, D., & Perigo, L. (2021). Measuring ISP Performance in Broadband America: A Study of Latency Under Load. Internet Architecture Board Workshop on Measuring Network Quality for End Users.

Broadband Infrastructure and Engineering Economics

Overview

My research examines the engineering and economic tradeoffs that influence the deployment and evolution of broadband infrastructure. By comparing technologies such as fiber, cable, fixed wireless, and satellite systems, this work evaluates deployment strategies, cost structures, performance capabilities, and long-term investment decisions that shape broadband competition and infrastructure development.

Representative Publications

Reed, D. P. (2020). Examining the Prospects for Gigabit Broadband: Lessons Learned from Google Fiber. Telecommunications Policy, 44(5).
Mian, A., & Reed, D. (2018). Tomorrow's Backhaul: Comparative Analysis of Backhaul Cost for Policy Decisions. IEEE 5G World Forum, Santa Clara, California.
Reed, D. P., & Crean, L. (2017). The Evolving Role of Satellite Networks in Rural and Remote Broadband Access. OECD Digital Economy Papers No. 264, OECD Publishing.
Reed, D. P. (1991). Residential Fiber Optic Networks: An Engineering and Public Policy Analysis. Artech House.

Spectrum Management and Wireless Policy

Overview

Efficient spectrum management requires balancing engineering constraints, economic incentives, and regulatory objectives. My research investigates licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum models, spectrum coexistence mechanisms, and emerging policy issues affecting 5G, 6G, satellite systems, and other advanced wireless technologies. The objective is to develop analytical frameworks that improve spectrum utilization while encouraging innovation and competition.

Representative Publications

Calabrese, M., et al. (including D. P. Reed). (2025). Low Earth Orbit Satellites: Policies to Promote Spectrum Sharing, Foster Competition, and Close Digital Divides. New America Foundation and International Center for Law & Economics.
Mitsuishi, N. Y., Mathys, P., & Reed, D. (2019). Spectrum Sharing Analysis for Unlicensed Use in 6 GHz Using Risk-Informed Interference Assessment. Telecommunications Policy Research Conference (TPRC).
Almarshedi, W., & Reed, D. (2018). Economic Critiques of National and International NGSO Spectrum Regulations Concerning the Ku- and Ka-Bands. Telecommunications Policy Research Conference (TPRC).

Telecommunications Policy and Internet Governance

Overview

Communications technologies evolve within legal, regulatory, and economic environments that strongly influence innovation, investment, and competition. My research examines broadband policy, Internet governance, Digital Divide initiatives, and regulatory frameworks to better understand how public policy can encourage the deployment of advanced communications infrastructure while protecting the public interest.

Representative Publications

Reed, D. P., Haroon, J., & Ryan, P. S. (2014). Technologies and Policies to Connect the Next Five Billion. Berkeley Technology Law Journal, 29.
Reed, D. P., & Lansford, J. (2014). Wi-Fi as a Commercial Service: New Technology and Policy Implications. Telecommunications Policy, 38(8).
Reed, D. P. (2005). Critiquing the Layered Regulatory Model. Journal on Telecommunications & High Technology Law, 4(2), 281–297.
Johnson, L., & Reed, D. P. (1992). Telephone Company Entry Into Cable Television: An Evaluation. Telecommunications Policy.

Communications Network Evolution

Overview

Throughout my career, I have studied the long-term evolution of communications networks and the interactions among technological innovation, engineering design, economics, and public policy. This research integrates interdisciplinary methods to explain how communications platforms evolve over time, how new technologies reshape existing networks, and how policy decisions influence the pace and direction of innovation.

Representative Publications

Reed, D. P. (1991). Residential Fiber Optic Networks: An Engineering and Public Policy Analysis. Artech House.
Reed, D. P. (1996). Taking It All Apart: Principles of Network Modularity. In Private Networks, Public Objectives. Elsevier.
Reed, D. P. (1996). The Transition to Digital Television Distribution Systems: A Technological View of Expected Interoperability. In The Internet and Telecommunications Policy. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Reed, D. P., & Sirbu, M. (1989). An Optimal Investment Strategy Model for Fiber to the Home. Journal of Lightwave Technology, 7(11), 1868–1875.

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