WASHINGTON-The Bush administration today directed federal agencies to provide estimated spectrum-relocation costs by mid-September, a key step prompted by a new law that clears the way for the auction of third-generation wireless licenses in 2006.
The notification was contained in letters to agency heads from Michael Gallagher, chief of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a unit of the Commerce Department. Spectrum relocation legislation was passed by Congress early last month and signed into law by President Bush Dec. 23.
“We begin the new year with firm and decisive action to grow our economy and light the way for wireless innovation,” said Gallagher. “I commend the FCC [Federal Communications Commission] for its prompt response in setting forth an 18-month time frame leading to auctions as early as June 2006. I look forward to working with the commission and with the other departments and agencies-in particular the dedicated spectrum team at the Department of Defense-to facilitate efficient auctions and the timely relocation of incumbents.”
Receipts from the sale of 3G licenses-comprising the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz bands-will be earmarked primarily for the Department of Defense to move military radio systems from the 1700 MHz band to new frequencies.
NTIA’s move comes as Bush’s pick to head the Commerce Department-Kellogg Co. Chairman Carlos Gutierrez-awaits likely Senate approval later this month. The Senate Commerce Committee approved Gutierrez’s nomination Thursday.
At his Jan. 5 confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee, Gutierrez said he strongly supported Bush’s goal of making affordable high-speed Internet service available to all Americans by 2007. The president has said he expects wireless technologies to play a role in meeting that objective.
“I think it is a very powerful goal … and one that I fully endorse,” said Guitierrez.
Sen. George Allen (R-Va.) pressed Gutierrez for a commitment to fight against attempts to impose access taxes on broadband services, including those provided by wireless service providers. Gutierrez, who came to America as a young Cuban refugee, replied he favored shielding the Internet from such taxes.
“I don’t think we can afford to fall behind [in broadband deployment],” said Gutierrez.
On a related front, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Wednesday called for an overhaul of the 1996 telecom act as part of its 2005 agenda.
