WASHINGTON-President Bush signed an executive order directing federal agencies to implement recommendations in two spectrum reports, while a more pressing White House initiative to earmark military frequencies for third-generation wireless systems remains in limbo on Capitol Hill.
Bush’s directive puts into play spectrum policy proposals outlined in June by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a unit of the Commerce Department. The reports, among other things, call for the creation of an innovation test bed for increased sharing among federal agencies, local governments and the private sector.
Congress and the Federal Communications Commission also are pursing changes to spectrum management, given growing demands for the already crowded airwaves, technological innovation, market changes and the increasingly global nature of wireless communications.
“President Bush took the next crucial step in developing a sound spectrum policy not only for today’s information age, but for years to come,” said CTIA President Steven Largent. “As I stated in June, these recommendations provide the necessary roadmap for how the wireless industry, along with the appropriate government bodies and industry segments, can work together to develop an efficient long-term spectrum plan. Tuesday’s action aids the ultra-competitive wireless industry in its continual efforts to offer the latest, most innovative products and services to consumers.”
Michael Gallagher, chief of NTIA, said Bush’s directive “has institutionalized innovation excellence.”
Meantime, White House-supported legislation critical to 3G rollouts in the United States has become a political football in Congress.
The House and Senate return next week in a lame-duck session to take up pending legislation, including bills to foster 3G services, enhanced wireless 911 and universal service.
One measure would create a fund-from future 3G auction receipts-to pay for the relocation of certain military radio systems from 1700 MHz to other frequencies. The legislation is based on an administration-brokered deal that effectively compensates the Department of Defense for clearing 45 megahertz that mobile-phone carriers will occupy to provide 3G services.
The relocation bill enjoys bipartisan and administration backing, but has been ensnarled in controversy over unrelated boxing commission legislation that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has sought to attach to a legislative package comprised of relocation, E911 and universal-service measures.
Industry lobbyists said they are optimistic a deal can be worked out to approve the telecom package next week while addressing McCain’s legislative concerns.
