SENATORS SUPPORT NEED FOR NATIONAL SPECTRUM POLICY
Several senators called for national spectrum management policy as panelists at Senate Commerce Committee hearing Tues. discussed needs for more spectrum by both military and commercial sector. However, panelists weren’t able to say precisely how much spectrum would be needed, nor were they able to estimate how quickly a national policy could be developed. But legislation probably would be part of spectrum management overhaul, said Senate Communications Subcommittee Chmn. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Sen. Wyden (D-Ore.). Sen. Burns (R-Mont.) said he would be introducing spectrum management legislation after General Accounting Office (GAO) releases “comprehensive” report on issue.
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Sens. Dodd (D-Conn.) and Jeffords (I-Vt.) introduced legislation Mon. that would allocate spectrum resources to education. Their proposed Digital Opportunity Investment Trust Act (S-2603) “is designed to spur debate and interest in a visionary educational proposal for the 21st century,” Dodd said. Jeffords likened approach to the GI Bill and establishment of land-grant colleges. But Sen. Brownback (R- Kan.) said while he supported trust fund for spectrum resources, it was inappropriate at this early stage to discuss spending resources on nonspectrum issues. “The first goal of spectrum auction revenues should be management of spectrum itself,” he said.
Defense Dept. (DoD) Deputy Asst. Secy.-Spectrum, Space, Sensors and C3 Steven Price said Pentagon still was studying its spectrum needs, but probably would need at least 90% more spectrum by 2005. He said “smart weapons” such as those being used in Afghanistan required significant spectrum. Domestic spectrum allocation does hamper some DoD training operations, particularly flight operations, Price said. Sen. Allen (R-Va.) said that while spectrum needs of commercial sector might be greater than DoD’s, federal govt.’s primary responsibility was national defense and DoD should receive priority treatment in spectrum allocation. Neither NTIA Dir. Nancy Victory nor FCC Wireless Bureau Chief Thomas Sugrue could tell senators when national spectrum management plan would be ready.
Wyden asked about time frame for development of spectrum management policy and said he wasn’t happy with answers from agency representatives. When he asked Sugrue where FCC would be in 3 years on policy, Sugrue said agency still would be “moving toward” policy. “That makes my point,” Wyden said. “I think we can do better.” He said he believed comprehensive approach, rather than piecemeal, was appropriate. Victory said management changes were likely as 2 agencies studied issue. Wyden also asked about technological solutions that could help free spectrum space. Victory said technology could be used to expand usable spectrum space. Several senators called for tougher efficiency standards for both the commercial and public sector. Some also questioned U.S. preparation for upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC). Burns said agencies should put greater emphasis on preparing for those meetings. Peter Guerrero, Govt. Accounting Office dir.- physical infrastructure issues, said some govt. officials and nongovt. representatives favored possibility of 3rd party to arbitrate between FCC and NTIA in some circumstances.
Victory said April spectrum summit meeting revealed several major problems, including: (1) Gaps in govt. coordination among NTIA, FCC and State Dept. (2) Length and complexity of allocation process. (3) Inefficient uses of spectrum and absence of efficiency stimulating incentives. (4) Challenges in making “room” or “homes” for new services and technologies. (5) Lack of clarity about spectrum rights and federal spectrum management process.