FCC previews national broadband plan

The Federal Communications Commission offered a preview of some aspects it is developing for its National Broadband Plan, including rules that bring more spectrum to the marketplace more quickly and rules that make it easier to build infrastructure. The complete plan is due to Congress Feb. 17.
The agency acknowledged that demand for wireless spectrum will outpace supply soon, noting “a large new spectrum allocation is essential to improving broadband competition.” Specifically, the commission plans to resolve pending proceedings such as the AWS-3 spectrum and Wireless Communications Services spectrum and explore access to TV spectrum. The FCC said it also should preserve spectrum for unlicensed devices and “apply market forces” to all spectrum bands, while considering other policy goals. CTIA testified before Congress earlier this week on the looming spectrum crisis.
Uniform and fair rental rates should be established for pole attachments, and other efforts that reduce costs and increase speed to market should be developed so broadband service can be available to more Americans. Other items included in the list of options that Congress could consider include revamping the Universal Service Fund to make funds available for broadband deployments and spurring more competition in the set-top box space, even to the point of using the TV set to connect to the Internet.
Regarding public safety, the FCC said first responders need access to broadband, and suggest creating a nationwide interoperable broadband wireless communications network, develop next-generation 911 programs and establish ways to protect critical infrastructure and preserve broadband communications in emergencies.