WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, released the following statement today in reaction to the close of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) auction of the 700 MHz radio spectrum. The spectrum auction is part of the transition to Digital Television that will culminate in all television signals switching from analog to digital on February 17, 2009.
"The wireless
auction just completed has successfully begun the process of opening up the U.S.
marketplace for wireless devices and applications. I chaired several hearings last year promoting
this idea and FCC Chairman Martin deserves credit for insisting that at least
one of the major licenses contains this new openness as a condition of
providing service. I look forward to monitoring implementation of this
provision, which holds much promise for fostering innovation and consumer
choice.
"I also am eager to
ascertain the extent to which new entrants have succeeded in obtaining licenses
through this auction. Providing new opportunities for competitive entry into
the wireless marketplace and offering consumers greater choice is a key
objective of wireless policy and for this auction in particular. The upcoming hearing I plan to hold will give
members a chance to review these auction results.
"In addition, with
respect to the so-called ‘D-block' license, which embodied a public safety
mission and which has failed to meet the reserve price for this auction, the
upcoming hearing will allow the subcommittee to fully review several issues. I
believe that any new auction for the ‘D-block' should be consistent with an
overarching policy goal of advancing public safety objectives and ultimately
achieving a state-of-the-art, broadband infrastructure for first responders. In
developing a plan for a re-auction of the ‘D-block,' the FCC should also take
into account the auction results to gauge the level of new competition
achieved. Policymakers should also analyze whether a need for a high reserve
price continues to exist. Moreover, I
believe we must fully review the nature and authority of the public safety
spectrum trust and whether this model should be retained or modified, the
length of the license term, the build-out requirements and schedule of
benchmarks for such build-out, the opportunities for ensuring further openness
in wireless markets, the penalties associated with failure to fulfill license
conditions, and other issues.
"The subcommittee's
inquiry will be done with an eye toward ensuring that in any overarching plan
to fulfill public safety objectives, the private sector can operate wireless
networks commercially while simultaneously fulfilling an important role for
first responders. I look forward to
working with Chairman John Dingell, Ranking Member Joe Barton, Subcommittee
Ranking Member Cliff Stearns, our other subcommittee colleagues, as we discuss how
to best to proceed with FCC Chairman Martin and his fellow commissioners."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2008 |
CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836
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