Key to expanding broadband is spectrum reform, Sen. Allen (R-Va.)...

suggesting wireless high-speed Internet service would be essential component of broadband. “We would like to see more spectrum allocated to the private sector” while not harming military, he said, but he didn’t anticipate Congress or federal agencies would resolve issue this year. Wireless industry contends it needs 120 MHz of spectrum for 3G Internet services and FCC and NTIA are scrambling to see how to free it up. Much of that spectrum is occupied by military, and Allen said HTTF member Warner (R-Va.), as chmn. of Senate Armed Services Committee, “will be watching out for the military,” with some sort of reimbursement likely for any armed forces required to vacate spectrum. As for HR-1542, Bell deregulation bill by House Commerce Committee Chmn. Tauzin (R-La.) and ranking Democrat Dingell (Mich.), Allen said “I'm not convinced his bill is the best bill.” Noting FCC finding that 78% of consumers were passed by broadband but fewer than 10% subscribed, Allen said Congress needed to address copyright issues to allow more content online. “It’s simple economics,” he said, and for many consumers broadband “isn’t worth paying for.” He expressed concerns about approach by Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. Hollings (D-S.C.) that could have federal govt. mandating copyright protection standards in all digital consumer electronics devices (see separate report in this issue): “If the federal government did it, my fear is that it would be inept and behind the times.”