Developments in technology may significantly increase the amount ...
Developments in technology may significantly increase the amount of usable spectrum, and make it easier to develop policies on the “equitable allocation” of that spectrum, a recent Congressional Research Service report concluded. “For the immediate future, Congress may choose…
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to debate and act on questions such as reforming spectrum management and allocation mechanisms,” the report said. A fully developed policy requires consideration of matters such as international competitiveness, public safety and military needs, the role of wireless technology in economic growth and encouragement of new technologies to make spectrum use more efficient for society overall, the report said. “Choices made for 700 MHz could be far-reach in setting the direction for future policy decisions,” it said. The report analyzed the rules proposed for the 700 MHz auction and said a wholesale network, opposed by wireless incumbents and not included in FCC Chairman Kevin Martin’s proposed rules, “could provide more market opportunities for new wireless devices, especially wireless devices that could provide unrestricted access to the Internet.” The report also said the FCC’s proposed use of package bidding, also known as combinatorial bidding, would “favor new entrants and larger companies by allowing them to acquire licenses for the coverage that meets their business needs in a manner that is more efficient and less risky.”