Senate Telecom Subcommittee Chmn. Burns (R-Mont.), along with Sen...
Senate Telecom Subcommittee Chmn. Burns (R-Mont.), along with Sens. Kerry (D-Mass.) and Hollings (D-S.C.), asked General Accounting Office (GAO) to undertake broad review of radio frequency spectrum allocation. Request came as FCC and NTIA were weighing spectrum decisions for…
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potential 3rd generation wireless allocations. “In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the present statutory and regulatory framework governing the allocation and use of the radio frequency spectrum does not necessarily result in the most efficient use of spectrum or the rapid deployment of consumer services,” senators wrote in May 16 letter to GAO Comptroller Gen. David Walker. Those policies appear to be jeopardizing ability of U.S. “to continue to lead in the development of wireless technologies,” they wrote, and existing framework needs review and possibly “comprehensive reform.” Senators want GAO to review: (1) How existing spectrum allocation process has evolved and what present legal framework is for determining allocation of spectrum to and among govt. and nongovt. users. (2) Whether federal agencies have processes for ensuring they are using spectrum “in a reasonably efficient manner.” Senators also ask if “defense and nondefense agencies coordinate on spectrum issues in a comprehensive and reasoned way.” (3) How effective are existing spectrum allocation rules and laws enforced by NTIA and FCC in enabling delivery of consumer services and in fostering wireless carrier competition. (4) What are GAO recommendations for improving allocation and management of spectrum and its “recommendations for increasing efficiency of government users of the spectrum so as to maximize the availability of spectrum for commercial users?” Senators asked GAO to complete its review by Dec. 1.