While both serve valuable public goals, concerns do arise when you mix the two, so
to speak. For example, people who have bought and paid for licenses at an auction
expect to be protected from interference. Overlays or underlays for unlicensed devices can potentially erode some of the value of licensed spectrum and the accompanying services being provided to customers. Thus, while I think we should try to take advantage of the value offered by both licensed and unlicensed models, an important part of that is making sure that those with licensed spectrum can
rely on their expectations of being protected from interference.
Wireless Wave: What are your thoughts about auctions?
Chairman Martin: The Commission will continue to use auctions. They efficiently distribute spectrum to those who will put it to its highest and best use. I also believe, however, that the goal of auctions should be to implement communications policy rather than to raise revenues.
Wireless Wave: What are the major wireless homeland security and public safety challenges before the FCC?
Chairman Martin: I think we need to continue our efforts to clear the 800 MHz
band to address interference to public safety and to ensure that public safety has enough spectrum for interoperability and other purposes.
I also hope the wireless industry will continue to work with the FCC and the Department of Homeland Security in developing wireless priority access.
In addition, I think that 911 issues will continue to be important. We have deadlines at the end of this year for wireless carriers to meet. I think these deadlines are important, and I think that carriers should focus on coming into compliance with our rules. I believe the Commission will be focused on this as well, to make sure that consumers have the kind of 911 wireless access that the Commission expects.
Wireless Wave: What is your view of wireless as a competitor for voice and broadband in rural areas? What changes do you envision for FCC policies designed to facilitate rural wireless deployment?
Chairman Martin: One of the big advantages of wireless technology is that it can
provide service to rural areas much more efficiently. So trying to ensure that wireless carriers have the ability to provide rural consumers voice or broadband services is important.
