Senior Fellow
Robert Pepper is a globally recognized expert on digital technology policy working at the intersection of connectivity, infrastructure and emerging technologies, technology adoption, Internet governance, and policy/regulation. Pepper has been an advisor to governments, international organizations, and the private sector on issues including, technology trends, digital strategies, National Broadband Plans, infrastructure investment, spectrum policy, and connectivity policy.
Pepper was Head of Global Connectivity Policy and Planning at Meta where he helped lead policy initiatives focusing on connectivity infrastructure, new technology development, deployment and adoption, including engagements with the ITU and other international organizations. Pepper previously was Cisco’s Vice President for Global Technology Policy for more than a decade, working with governments across the world, helping them develop their digital strategies and address areas such as ICT and development, broadband plans, IP-enabled services, wireless and spectrum policy, security, privacy as well as Internet Governance.
Pepper was Chief of the Office of Plans and Policy and Chief of Policy Development at the FCC for 16 years where he helped develop policies promoting the development of the Internet, and leading teams designing and implementing the first U.S. spectrum auctions, implementing telecommunications legislation, and planning for the transition to digital television.
Before joining the FCC, Pepper was Director of the Annenberg Washington Program in Communications Policy. His government service also included Acting Associate Administrator at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and initiating a program on Computers, Communications and Information Policy at the National Science Foundation.
His academic appointments included faculty positions at the Universities of Iowa, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and as a research affiliate at Harvard University. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Pacific Telecommunications Council and is a member of the UK’s Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board. He also has served on the Board of the Internet Society, the US Telecommunications Training Institute, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Spectrum Management Advisory Committee, and has chaired the U.S. Department of State’s Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy. He also is on advisory boards at the University of Wisconsin, Columbia University and Michigan State University.
Pepper received his BA. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.