At the recent Practicing Law Institute’s Telecommunications Conference, Thomas Sugrue, chief of the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, gave a humorous presentation describing the wireless industry. Here is how the wireless industry’s chief regulator sees the industry:
1. Why can’t we be more European? or … Are we Finnish-ed yet?
Is the United States really far behind the rest of the world in wireless innovation? Sugrue said he has read at least three articles on how you can order a soda from a machine with a wireless phone.
2. Nationwide is on your side. or … You can’t go roam again.
The end of roaming charges as companies create bucket plans where roaming appears free.
3. The world is not enough. or … Let’s go global mobile.
The increase of global agreements such as the recently completed merger of AirTouch Communications Inc. and Vodafone plc.
4. Mom, more spectrum pleeeease. or … Love hertz.
The cellular industry wants the spectrum cap lifted. More spectrum is needed for third-generation wireless applications by both cellular and personal communications services carriers, and the private wireless industry wants more spectrum (preferably without participating in auctions).
5. Boot me up Scotty.
Sugrue told the audience, “If you looked in the trade press or went to industry trade conferences, you would think no one makes a voice call on a wireless phone anymore.”
6. Show me the money. or … So you want to be a millionaire, no scratch that, a billionaire.
Auctions.
7. Pick a number, any number. or … 1, 2, 3, 4-Sorry we don’t have no more.
The numbering crunch that the Federal Communications Commission will attempt to address through new rules due out early next year.
8. I’m on the outside looking in. or … Up on the rooftop.
Rooftop access for fixed wireless companies.
9. I’ve fallen. I can’t get up. I don’t know where I am.
The FCC’s new rules on implementing enhanced 911 rules.
10. I can’t believe we ate the whole thing. or … 64,000 items and counting down.
The backlog of issues that needed to be addressed by the FCC’s wireless bureau.
11. The Amazing Carnac. Answer: Four score and seven years ago. Question: When was the last time anyone voluntarily turned back spectrum?
12. You can’t always get what you want (but if you try sometimes, you get what you need).
Sugrue urged telecom lawyers to “Walk a mile in our shoes … it will help you get what you want a lot easier.”
