@CTIA IT: FCC will free up spectrum, aid tower-siting barriers

SAN DIEGO–FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the government would work to free up more spectrum for wireless broadband access and aid tower-siting efforts, two initiatives the wireless industry likely will embrace, even as he continued to call for an open Internet, recognizing that the wireless Internet is different than the wireless experience.
Speaking to a packed and attentive audience at the CTIA IT and Entertainment 2009 show, Genachowski mixed a little humor in with his message on the need for mobile broadband access going forward to empower consumers and grow jobs in the United States, saying people are using mobile to tweet, which is great, “as long as they’re not driving.”
On a more serious note, Genachowski said mobility would be an essential component as the FCC prepares to deliver a national broadband plan to Congress in February. “No sector of the communications industry holds greater potential to enhance America’s economic competitiveness, spur job creation, and improve the quality of our lives,” Genachowski said. “My goals with regard to mobile are the same that define and drive all our work: fostering innovation and investment, promoting competition, empowering and protecting consumers, all in an effort to help ensure the U.S. has a world-leading communications infrastructure for the 21st century.”
Reallocating spectrum
The chairman agreed with industry that more spectrum needs to be freed up for broadband access as consumers spend more time on the mobile Web, and said the agency would work to reallocate spectrum to meet that need. “As this audience knows, it takes years to reallocate spectrum and put it to use. And there are no easy pickings on the spectrum chart.” The government has reallocated some spectrum in recent years, a process that sure to get opposition from whatever organization holds the spectrum today.
Tower-siting help
The FCC also will propose a federal shot-clock on tower-siting applications, while still being sensitive to local jurisdictions. Tower-siting has long been an obstacle for wireless carriers and tower companies as people embrace mobile services but don’t want the accompanying infrastructure needed for those services. Indeed, PCIA has noted that towers are getting increasingly more difficult to site and has formed state associations to try to educate local municipalities on tower-siting rules and procedures. Genochowski provided no details on the tower-siting shot clock during his speech, other than to say he hoped industry would share best practices and house that information on the FCC’s Web site.
Broadband deployments
Genachowski’s comments on spurring broadband development likely will bring mixed reaction from the wireless industry, depending on the segment of the ecosystem. Even as the chairman said the agency would license spectrum holders and clear spectrum quickly, he noted that the agency “will address roaming in a broadband world” and accelerate middle-mile connections. Wireless carriers without wireline businesses, like Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc., have long complained about special-access charges from companies like Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Corp. Further, smaller wireless carriers have lamented that larger wireless carriers charge too much or otherwise make it difficult to get roaming agreements in place. Data roaming agreements could be even trickier to negotiate.
An open Internet
Genachowski said he would bring certainty and flexibility to rules surrounding an open Internet, in comments that seemed to favor wireless carriers, but again, he provided no details on future regulations. “Communications technologies are complex and changing rapidly, nowhere more than mobile, and my time in business has convinced me that the last thing we want is heavy-handed and prescriptive regulation. Our goal is to empower innovators, not lawyers.”
During a speech later this morning, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega said the wireless industry was extremely competitive and needed no more federal regulation. Again, as Genachowski promised certainty, de la Vega said that switching rules that govern spectrum after an auction was completed but before buildout begins brings uncertainty to wireless investors and is unfair. In the recently completed 700 MHz auction, AT&T bought a significant amount of spectrum that was unencumbered of any “open-access” requirements.
Empowering consumers
Genachowski also said a fourth component of his wireless broadband initiative is to make sure consumers have access to information so they can make informed decisions, but did not give any specifics about what information consumers need. Coverage maps and billing information are likely candidates for the transparency he wants to bring to market.