Battle Over the Airwaves II: Who Should Give Up Spectrum?

The U.S. wireless industry argues that mobile Internet and other advanced ("3G") services will be delayed unless spectrum, already occupied by powerful incumbents, is reallocated and auctioned. The Pentagon, broadcasters, satellite firms, universities and fixed wireless providers are battling to hold on to their valuable spectrum licenses. Policy makers are desperately seeking a "deal" to free up spectrum for 3G. The FCC and Commerce Department have just decided to delay their recommendations; meanwhile, Rep. Pickering (R-MS) has proposed that the military give up a large band of prime spectrum in return for auction proceeds placed in a trust for modernization.

This is the second in a series of policy roundtables examining the need to reform U.S. spectrum policy. Short presentations will be followed by a discussion among all attendees about options for initiatives by Congress and the FCC.

Participants

• Dale N Hatfield
  University of Colorado, Boulder and former Chief of Engineering & Technology, FCC


• Robert Nutwell
  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense,U.S. Department of Defense


• Thomas W Hazlett
  Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute for Policy Research


• Jay C Keithley
  Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, Sprint Corporation