ORLANDO, Fla. – Spectrum scarcity, data roaming and interoperability are three of the biggest key issues facing the US wireless industry, and carriers are hoping to see action from Washington before the November elections. Today at the closing session of the RCA Spring Expo in Orlando, a panel of legal experts shared views on expectations for the months ahead.
The FCC won kudos from regional carriers earlier this month after adopting a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on interoperability. Many smaller carriers own spectrum in the Lower 700 MHz band but have delayed LTE buildouts because of interference from the nearby 700MHz bandwidth owned by AT&T. Smaller carriers say legal action is needed to address interference issues and to require device makers to create LTE products that operate across the 700MHz bandwidth.
Carriers are hopeful that the FCC will follow up and create new rules by the end of the year. Currently there are just three FCC commissioners, and two spots are vacant. It is unclear whether President Obama’s nominees, Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai, will be confirmed in the near future. “Two more people could potentially be two more people to educate, but at the same time these are very qualified people who understand the industry,” said Ben Moncrief, Public Policy Manager for C Spire Wireless.
As for Congress, the panel did not expect any more legislation this year on spectrum or interoperability issues. However, panelist Sharon Ringley of Twin Logic Strategies said Congress might act on another issue of interest to the group. “Privacy is now a hot topic in Washington,” she said. “It is a huge topic of conversation involving Congress, the FTC and the FCC.” The said the related issue of cybersecurity was also one to watch on Capitol Hill.
