In this interview, we talk to Jennifer A. Manner, author of the book Spectrum Wars: A New Hope for Connectivity. We discuss the motivation behind writing the book, the target audience, the most useful aspects of the book, the challenges of writing the book, and advice for other engineers who are considering writing a book.
Jennifer A. Manner is a recognized visionary and strategic leader in domestic and international telecommunications, spectrum, and space policy and regulation. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and International Strategy at AST & Science, LLC, where she oversees the company’s regulatory and policy initiatives. With extensive experience in the industry, Jennifer has held senior roles at prominent technology firms including EchoStar, Skyterra (now Ligado), and MCI WorldCom (now Verizon). Her government service includes key positions such as Senior Advisor for Space and Satellite Policy at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and senior roles at the Federal Communications Commission—including Deputy Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Deputy Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology, and Senior Counsel to Commissioner Abernathy. In addition to her industry and government leadership, Jennifer actively participates in trade associations, international organizations, and government advisory bodies. She is a prolific author of books and articles on telecommunications, including her upcoming book Spectrum Wars: The New Hope for Connectivity (Artech House, Fall 2025). She is also a filmmaker; her latest documentary, When Wire Was King: The Transformation of Telecommunications, is available on PBS and multiple streaming platforms. Her expertise spans domestic and international telecommunications, market access, and spectrum policy. She has a demonstrated track record of resolving complex regulatory and policy challenges and has been instrumental in fostering regulatory frameworks to enable the adoption of next-generation terrestrial and satellite technologies, including non-geostationary satellite systems and non-terrestrial networks.
1. Could you summarize the main content of your book? What are the key topics addressed?
The book discussed how this scarce resource is managed and regulated and the pressures we are seeing that are leading to changes including how to increase efficient use.
2.What is the primary purpose of your book? How do you envision it helping readers in their work or studies?
The purpose of my book is to educate as well as challenge traditional views of spectrum management.
3.What sets your book apart from other works in the same field? Are there any innovative concepts, methodologies, or insights that make it stand out?
This book is the third in my series of Spectrum Wars books. There is no other book on the market that explains the basics but also delves into the cutting edge technologies and considers how they are and should be regulated. It is an evolutionary series.
designed to compile all these disparate techniques into one source.
4.Who is the intended readership for your book? Are there specific industries, professionals, or fields of study that would benefit most from this content?
It is for everyone from those with a casual interest in radio spectrum management to students to professionals. The books are packed with information that will excite any level reader.
5. What are the most important lessons or insights you want readers to take away from this book?
That spectrum management is evolutionary and depends on technology, economics, regulation and politics. This book (as does my series) is unique in that combines all of these.
6.Does your book include any original research, case studies, or data? If so, could you highlight some of the most significant findings?
In some ways yes and some ways no. The book looks at trends and talks about the future in wireless communications.
7.Does your book address any new or emerging trends in the field? How does it prepare readers for future developments?
Very much so. The spectrum world is changing so much especially with the growing importance of space and the scarcity of spectrum. This book works through these trends from a technical, economic and policy perspective.
8.What personal experiences, if any, have shaped your perspective or approach to the topics discussed in your book?
As someone who has worked in global wireless telecommunications my whole life in the private and government sectors, as well as in leadership positions in international bodies, I have had the opportunity to witness the evolution of communications and bringing connectivity to people across the globe. We still have many people globally who are unconnected, but with today’s technology we have the chance to get there. However, the economics and regulations have to enable this being achieved.
Learn more about the book on our websites:
ARTECH HOUSE USA : Spectrum Wars: A New Hope for Connectivity
ARTECH HOUSE U.K.: Spectrum Wars: A New Hope for Connectivity
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