WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission today announced the creation of a wireless broadband access task force to help craft policies for fostering deployment of high-speed wireless Internet services in the United States.
“We are strongly committed to facilitating broadband investment and deployment, particularly through technological choices,” said Powell. “This commission has put a high priority on making sure Americans have access to broadband services through multiple facilities-based platforms. I believe that we can do even more. I have asked this task force to study existing wireless broadband polices and make recommendations for possible improvements to promote the growth of both licensed and unlicensed wireless broadband services. The overarching goal of this initiative is to take a hard look at what we can do to extend the reach of broadband services to underserved areas and to provide increased competition in areas that already have access to broadband.”
The agency last year opened a large chunk of frequencies at 5 GHz for unlicensed wireless broadband and is currently struggling to write rules for wireless Internet service in the 2.5 GHz band.
The FCC has solicited public comment on wireless broadband issues. Responses are due June 3 and reply comments on July 1. The commission said it will hold roundtables-including one scheduled May 19-to gather more information. The task force will present a report with findings and recommendations to the FCC in October.
