IP: Powell Outlines FCC Reform

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>
>
> [Note:  I'll post more on this later.  DLH]
>
> Powell Outlines FCC Reform
> Allyson Vaughan
> October 23, 2001
> <http://article.WirelessWeek.com/UM/T.ASP?A3.3.349.3.460395446>
>
> FCC Chairman Michael Powell outlined the commission's reform plans today, 
> including a review of third-generation spectrum allocation policy in the 
> next six months. Among the other initiatives, which cover wireless, 
> broadcasting and other telecom policy reviews, Powell pledged to examine 
> homeland security issues, such as improved network access in emergencies. 
> Short on specifics, Powell says the initiatives will be part of a 
> long-term policy review. Whether such reviews can keep pace with current 
> industry demands is questionable, but Powell says, "We have an obligation 
> to start making the steps" to facilitate change now.
>
> "Allocation policy is simply not keeping pace with spectrum demands," 
> Powell says. "It's entirely reactive," and carriers have few incentives to 
> use spectrum efficiently, he says. Powell characterized current spectrum 
> allocation as highly politicized and says that policy changes must allow 
> for more flexible spectrum use, including promoting the use of secondary 
> spectrum markets. "We will aggressively promote spectrum efficiency," 
> Powell says.
>
> Other areas that need reexamination include broadband policy and what, if 
> any, government action is necessary to bring services quickly to consumers 
> and stimulate the economy, he says. Separately, Powell called wireless 
> service a viable option to landline residential service because it offers 
> mobility, personalization and innovation in long-distance service.


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