The business of Internet, wireless, and telecom law.

Dec 12, 2012: Broadband Spectrum Rules!

Posted by Barlow Keener

Dec. 12, 2012.   Today was a big day for spectrum in Washington DC (where a lot, but not all happens with regard to wireless regulation).  All the FCC Commissioners testified before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.  The Subcommittee wanted to hear from the Commissioners on the upcoming TV Incentive Auction (FCC TV Auction [...]

The End of Broadcast TV: Incentive Auctions

Posted by Barlow Keener

On September 28, 2012, the FCC’s open meeting will address the implementation of the TV inventive auction requirements contained in February 2012 $150 billion "Payroll" bill, or the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.” The Payroll legislation was amended at the last minute to require the FCC to design and hold [...]

PCAST Spectrum Sharing: A Mobile Game Changer?

Posted by Barlow Keener

We are about to have a Presidential Executive Order that will change our world — at least our wireless, spectrum world. Ten years ago most of us would have said that mobile can not “change the world.”  Today we know mobile is changing the world and that a major future change to the mobile ecosystem [...]

FCC TV Spectrum Reallocation: Win-Win Plan?

Posted by Barlow Keener

Starting in 1996, the FCC began the work of moving TV broadcasters from analog to digital TV.   At the time it was anticipated that TV stations would use their spectrum to deliver additional, unspecified non-broadcast- type services.  In 1998, the FCC prescribed a rule (47 CFR 73.624(g )), following the 1996 Telecom Act, allowing TV [...]

Spectrum’s Future: Use it or Lose It?

Posted by Barlow Keener

Technorati Tags: Spectrum,FCC,NTIA,Senator Kerry In 2003, President Bush issued an Executive Order entitled “Spectrum Policy for the 21st Century” ordering the Department of Commerce’s NTIA to identify spectrum and propose policies for the spectrum’s more efficient use. The Federal Government Spectrum Task Force was created led by NTIA and consisting of all the departments except [...]

FCC Reform: McDowell Proposes Scheduled Open Meetings

Posted by Barlow Keener

Yesterday FCC Commissioner McDowell released a letter addressed to Acting Chairman Copps.  One great suggestion (see the list) in his letter was the proposal that the Commission schedule in advance Open Meeting dates.  Commissioner McDowell explained: We need to improve our external communications regarding FCC processes and actions. As an immediate first step, I suggest [...]