1. Artificial limits should not be placed on potential compensation for broadcasters
2. The Commission should not exclude potential wireless bidders
3. The FCC should auction all the airwaves it clears rather than giving some away for unlicensed use.

This week’s stories all are trending towards the second point— the FCC excluding potential wireless bidders.  There were 7 articles covering this story with 3 coming from fiercewireless.  The two sides to this debate:

• The first argument is from the FCC and Justice Department, who fear that AT&T and Verizon will dominate the auctions and buy the entire available spectrum.  The federal agencies see this as a problem because they believe the two commercial giants could buy the spectrum simply to keep it from their competitors, and may not use the spectrum for some time.
  • Justice Department wants to limit major telcos’ involvement in spectrum auctions
  • FCC chief: Airwave auction should boost competition
• The second argument, from AT&T and Verizon, denies this charge.  Four articles surfaced this week with studies stating that restricting participation in these auctions will bring down the total revenue created by the auctions.
  • These spectrum auction restrictions became an exercise in futility
  • Study: Barring AT&T, Verizon from auction would choke wireless broadband adoption
  • Limiting bidding on spectrum auctions could be costly, study says
  • Economists Conclude Limiting Participation In FCC Spectrum Incentive Auctions Could Decrease Revenues By 40 Percent, Increase Spectrum Deficit In U.S.
  • AT&T, Verizon may face restrictions in 600 MHz auction
  • McDowell casts doubts on incentive auctions

What to Look For

• Will broadcasters come out against restrictions further and join the side of carriers publicly?
• Will broadcasters go their allies in Congress? (GOP chairman vows to protect broadcasters in FCC auction)
• What will Tom Wheeler, President Obama’s pick for FCC chairman, come down on this issue? (Which Way Will Tom Wheeler Take the FCC?)

In a recent meeting with utility workers President Obama reiterated his desire to designate utility workers as first responders.  The belief is that designating utility workers, as first responders would remove barriers that prevent them from reaching the source of power problems.  The meeting also covered the potential damage from a major cyber attack.

In a special teleconference on May 8, FirstNet board Chairman Sam Ginn announced a new special review committee. The committee’s job will be to investigate the alleged improprieties and questionable deals that board member Paul Fitzgerald has accused the FirstNet board of making. The independence of the board is questionable, as 4 of the 7of the committee members are also FirstNet board members.

Logo of the United States Federal Communications Commission, used on their website prior to 2002 or 2003, and still used on some publications and areas of their website. The central part of the logo is also used on products which conform to FCC requirements. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

FCC looks for feedback on nationwide public safety broadband network

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on the national public safety broadband network (NPSBN).  The FCC is seeking comments in three areas: technical service rules for the new NPSBN, FCC’s responsibilities related to the oversight of FirstNet’s operations, and ways to address entities that currently are using parts of the spectrum licensed to FirstNet.  The FCC is also asking for details about costs and benefits of any proposals or alternatives plans for the creation of the NPSBN.

President Obama has announced he will nominate Tom Wheeler as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Some have criticized Wheeler’s past experience as a lobbyist, but White House press secretary Jay Carney defended Wheeler noting that he worked for the wireless industry a decade ago and the cable industry three decades ago.  The President also announced that Commissioner Mignon Clyburn would serve as the interim FCC chairman as Wheeler waits to be confirmed by the Senate.  President Obama must now select a nominee for the open Republican seat on the five member commission.

Chairman Sam Ginn announced Bill D’Agostino as the FirstNet general manager during the FirstNet board meeting on April 23, 2013.  D’Agostino is a 33-year telecom veteran who most recently served as an executive director for Verizon Wireless in Southern California.  D’Agostino has already met with the Board and technical team, saying he was impressed by the great work done in such a short time.  D’Agostino will work with the National Governor’s Association to host regional meetings to bring together policy makers at the state, local, and tribal levels.  These meetings will begin in May and run through June 2013.  D’Agostino also acknowledged the information being gathered through the State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) that will help FirstNet understand the needs of each individual state and territory.  As general manager D’Agostino will also look to replace FirstNet’s temporary staff with permanent Federal positions, which will prove challenging given the Federal hiring process and salary levels compared to those in the telecommunication private sector.

In February the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) announced their intention to serve as a clearinghouse for public safety applications.  Today APCO has launched Application Community (AppComm) a new website for public safety related apps for use by the public, developers, and first responders.  APCO intends to work closely with FirstNet in making AppComm a success.

President Obama’s latest budget proposal sets aside $500M for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assist broadcasters modify their infrastructure to be prepared for the upcoming incentive auctions.  These auctions will repurpose broadcast spectrum for wireless broadband use.  The revenue from these auctions will fund the national public safety broadband network (NPSBN).  As FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will be stepping down in the coming weeks serious tension remains between broadcasters and the FCC.

The article makes clear that there are pluses and minuses. In some cases civilian complaints about aggressive police tactics and incidents of police using force have plummeted. Others have raised “Big Brother” and privacy issues. These pluses and minuses perfectly illustrate the opportunities and challenges ahead. As sensors, video, audio, and all types of data become instantly available and stream across the FirstNet network, emergency response will become vastly more effective. It’s also true that privacy issues will abound as well as worries about responses that are almost too effective. One thing we know for sure is that those challenges and opportunities are coming so get ready.