Copyright 2002 Knight Ridder/

Tribune Business News

Copyright 2002 San Jose Mercury News

San Jose Mercury News…10/31/2002

From LexisNexis

The nation's top communications regulator said Wednesday that he favors giving companies more flexibility to use the airwaves in providing telephone, Internet, television and other services.

New rules for the management of spectrum would let broadcasters, wireless service providers and other companies react more quickly to consumer demand — without necessarily getting permission from the Federal Communications Commission, Chairman Michael Powell said in a speech at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

A Spectrum Policy Task Force that Powell created is expected to provide more specific recommendations to the FCC within weeks, and in December the agency will start a rule-making process seeking public comment on changes to spectrum management.

Under current rules, the FCC has auctioned airwaves for pre-set uses, such as wireless phone calls, and companies can't use them for other purposes. "Today's marketplace demands that we provide license holders with greater flexibility to respond to consumer wants, market realities and national needs without first having to ask for the FCC's permission," Powell said.

Among other changes, Powell said he favored easing rules intended to prevent signal interference altogether, and instead supports new policies ensuring interference stays within acceptable levels.

The president of the trade group representing mobile-phone companies praised Powell's efforts but said too much flexibility in how the airwaves are used could create problems. "There is a legitimate role for government in preventing spectrum anarchy where the absence of rules increases interference and degrades the consumer experience," said Tom Wheeler, president of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.