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To: elmatador who wrote (11924)	9/24/2001 2:54:06 PM
From: John F Beule	Respond to of 12823

el, It's a start in the right direction: FCC keeps airwaves for schools, others By Reuters September 24, 2001, 11:30 a.m. PT WASHINGTON--The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Monday it will not take away wireless airwaves used by schools, health care facilities, WorldCom and Sprint for so-called third-generation wireless services. The agency, however, said it would expand the possible uses for the airwaves in the 2500 to 2690 megahertz (Mhz) band--currently used for fixed services--to include a mobile component so that they could be used for 3G services like high-speed Internet access or music and video downloads. The FCC and the Commerce Department are searching for airwaves to sell to mobile telephone companies like Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless so they can offer 3G, but have been unable to find virgin airwaves to sell to the providers. The agencies contemplated reallocating the 2500-2690 band, but because of the outcry against taking the airwaves from schools and other incumbent users the FCC voted 5-0 against taking them away so they could be sold to mobile providers. "Although I would have preferred a decision sooner, our order resolves the lingering uncertainty for these licensees and allows the parties to move forward with their operations," said FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy in a statement. "The specter of forced relocation slowed interest and investment." WorldCom and Sprint use the spectrum to offer fixed satellite Internet service, for example. But a dispute among the commissioners arose over whether to add a mobile component to the band, with the two Democrat commissioners arguing that it was a rush to judgment and there was not enough evidence that mobile services would not interfere with existing uses. "Adding a mobile allocation for the 2500 Mhz band is premature, unwise and contrary to the statute," said FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Gloria Tristani. The item was adopted on Sept. 6, a day before Tristani resigned, but not released until Monday. The FCC said the flexible allocation will allow some portable data applications to be offered under existing service rules and could provide flexibility for offering other new advanced fixed and mobile services in the future. The agency did acknowledge that it will have to explore service rules that would apply to allow mobile operations in the band in a separate proceeding in the future. Story Copyright © 2001 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.