Innovation Policy Post

Earlier this week, the FCC filed a Court brief in defense of its open Internet rule that has been challenged by Verizon and one small wireless carrier, Metro PCS.   Verizon claims to support the Internet remaining “an unrestricted and open platform, where people can access the lawful content, services and applications of their choice.”   It simply objects to an FCC rule enforcing that same ideal on behalf of end users and edge providers who must depend on Verizon for that access every day.

The problem with the dream of a free market in telecommunications networks is that barriers to entry are too high.  So high in fact that that the largest cable TV operators who not so long ago were given exclusive franchises to build local networks that might compete in a digital world with legacy monopoly telephone companies, have decided not to bother with the wireless part.  And Verizon with its lock on lucrative access lines for business customers and its dominance of mobile wireless has decided not to bother with any more fiber optic lines to challenge cable’s dominance of residential Internet access and video entertainment.

Randall Stephenson, CEO of AT&T, and Glenn Hutchins, Co-Founder of Silver Lake, spoke at the Brookings Institute last week on how to further the mobile technology revolution.  

Last week CCIA filed Comments in the FCC’s 2 GHz rulemaking proceeding.  The Commission’s proposed rules would grant mobile satellite spectrum (MSS) licensees flexibility to use their licensed spectrum to deploy mobile voice and broadband services – increasing the amount of spectrum available for these services.

CCIA applauds the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on service, technical, assignment, and licensing rules for flexible terrestrial use of spectrum currently assigned to the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) in the 2 GHz band.  CCIA strongly urges the Commission to expedite its rulemaking process so that licensees in the 2 GHz band can move quickly to deploy their planned mobile broadband networks.

Last night the House of Representatives passed HR 3630 - legislation extending payroll tax cuts.  Tucked into the bill is authority for the FCC to conduct incentive auctions of wireless spectrum.