Abernathy: Take MMDS, ITFS Off 3G Table
wirelessweek.com
ALLYSON VAUGHAN
JUNE 25, 2001
BOSTON -- In her first major speech before an industry conference, new FCC Commissioner
Kathleen Abernathy says she supports taking Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Service and
Instructional Television Fixed Services spectrum off the charts for third-generation services
because using them for advanced wireless would be too disruptive.
Abernathy told a packed room at the Wireless Communications Association annual convention
here today that other frequencies should be considered for 3G and that she is unwilling to
jeopardize the rollout of broadband wireless technology. ?I?m committed to getting spectrum in
the marketplace as promptly as possible,? Abernathy says, adding that the competing demands
for spectrum--a valuable and limited resource--presents many challenges for government.
Because of that, it would be prudent for the government to explore all 3G options, she says.
The spectrum debate has heated up considerably in Washington in recent weeks, with industry
and government officials struggling to reach a compromise on frequencies suitable for 3G
services.
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Putting Sizzle Into Summer
wirelessweek.com
MONICA ALLEVEN, EDITOR
JUNE 25, 2001
WIRELESS WEEK
On the surface, it sounds as if the industry has a snowball's chance of persuading the military to
vacate its 1710-1850 MHz spectrum.
The industry's stance-that additional spectrum is needed to offer advanced services and compete
and harmonize internationally-is fairly well known. Harmony with international operators means the
best place for the industry's next-generation spectrum is the 1710-1850 MHz band, smack dab
where Department of Defense users sit. Therefore, if the proposal is to go anywhere, the industry
and Department of Defense must come to some agreement on new spectrum for the Department
of Defense and on compensating the department for moving and upgrading radio gear.
CTIA is fine-tuning a draft spectrum bill and shopping it around Capitol Hill, talking to the likes of
Reps. Billy Tauzin, R-La., Charles Pickering, R-Miss., and Fred Upton, R-Mich. Lobbyists also are
meeting with Defense Department supporters to craft a plan that addresses their concerns,
particularly when it comes to the details of reimbursement.
Meanwhile, the Department of Defense is flexing its muscle. "As long as it's high-tech vs. national
security, we've got a problem," said David Taylor, CEO of U.S. Capitol Solutions, at CTIA's
Wireless Agenda conference in May.
As part of the wireless industry vs. military drama, the urgency surrounding 3G spectrum has
changed. In March, CTIA said the sooner the FCC can designate additional spectrum for 3G
wireless services, the quicker the industry can deliver advanced wireless services and products to
American consumers.
Then, in early June, the association did an about-face, telling FCC Chairman Michael Powell the
FCC should delay a final decision past the July deadline set by the Clinton administration so that
the new Bush administration has time to complete its analysis in the context of a broader spectrum
management policy.
So the message is hurry up, but slow down. "This is a decision that needs to be made quickly but
can't be rushed," says CTIA communications manager Travis Larson, who notes the contradictory
nature of the situation.
In a separate matter, the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to
remand the NextWave Telecom Inc. case back to the FCC sends the spectrum matter further into
prolongated debate. The FCC already auctioned off the bankrupt Nextwave's licenses, but bidders
did not take ownership pending the court's decision.
Forget those summer blockbusters. CTIA's tactical maneuvers with the Defense Department and
the fallout from NextWave should make for a very interesting-if not excruciatingly hot-summer. |
