OPEN SPECTRUM PROMOTED FOR NEW WIRELESS NETWORKS
Regulators should allow wireless networks to evolve on Internet model of interconnected end-user devices without central network, rather than along model of Bell-based landline phone network, N.Y.U. Prof. Yochai Benkler told conference sponsored by New America Foundation and Public Knowledge (CD May 13 p2) recently. He said spectrum allocation threatened to make wireless communications -- including high-speed data services envisioned by 3G -- tied down to antiquated technologies and gatekeepers. “Wired networks will never be free,” Benkler said: “Wireless could be.” FCC last week liberalized Part 15 rules to allow greater flexibility in use of unlicensed spectrum for such services as 802.11 or Wi-Fi, which is used to extend broadband networks (CD May 17 p4). But Benkler called for more dramatic approach, “open spectrum commons,” where airwaves would be free and end-user devices would determine what was received.
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That “anarchists’ view [of] a Tower of Babel… could be quite appealing,” said former NBC News and PBS Pres. Larry Grossman. He proposed more traditional approach to spectrum reform -- taking revenue from spectrum auctions and investing it in trust fund for public TV and digital divide initiatives. However, Benkler said “auctions should be stopped yesterday… Every auction is more spectrum that can’t be part of open networks.” Libertarians for years have called for free spectrum, but Benkler said what was different about his approach was that it now was technologically possible. With dramatic drop in price of microprocessors following Moore’s Law, he said, “we can build intelligent receivers” that can pinpoint signal intended for certain individual’s device without traditional fears of signal interference. (Similar argument is made by ArrayComm founder Marty Cooper, who is credited with inventing first wireless phone.) Under that scenario, new services would continue to emerge, using existing spectrum, but going only to end devices tuned to those signals. Signals wouldn’t necessarily be carried by major providers but would travel Internet-style through wireless nodes such as rooftop antennas.
FCC has acknowledged there are inefficiencies in allocation of spectrum. Speaking at conference, former FCC Chmn. Reed Hundt went further: “The allocations from beginning to end are erroneous.” He also recognized, however, that dramatic change called for by Benkler would be difficult to achieve, in part because “there aren’t that many decision makers on this topic in government.” “Can you motivate them to reallocate or even better trust the market?” Hundt asked, answering his own question by saying “the current FCC is willing maybe to take a fresh look.” Benkler agreed that his proposal would require “a lot of political heavy lifting.”
Significant obstacle to decentralized wireless network is that it would cut out wired incumbents such as Verizon and America Online, something Benkler also acknowledged. He described that as benefit, but admitted those companies and industries would fight in Washington to preserve their place in network architecture. However, Benkler told us after conference that movement on Capitol Hill and in FCC suggested that there is at least more understanding of the need for unlicensed spectrum, even if no one currently was planning to strip away existing licenses. Along with FCC action on Part 15, Benkler noted recent bill by House Telecom Subcommittee ranking Democrat Markey (Mass.) (HR-4641) that among other things would have federal govt. set aside more unlicensed spectrum. That bill has been referred to Markey’s subcommittee and is awaiting hearing.