WASHINGTON-Efforts were underway last week to address Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole’s (R-Kan.) concern about what he believes is a potential $70 billion broadcast spectrum giveaway in telecommunication reform legislation.
If these negotiations are fruitful, it could pave the way for expected passage of the bill this week. Congressional staffers held out hope the conference report would be filed Friday.
If the measure does not make it to the House and Senate next week, it will have to wait until late February or early March for consideration. The longer the delay, the greater the chance the bill will unravel. Antenna siting guidelines, wireless long-distance access and other provisions sought by the wireless industry are included in the bill.
