There are some things that the Commission can do with spectrum distribution policies to ensure availability of wireless voice and broadband in rural areas. For example, interference is less of a concern in rural areas, and we may be able to increase power limits to allow service providers to reach across greater distances.
We have also adjusted some of our secondary market rules to allow disaggregation
and easier leasing of certain spectrum rights. This may be important in rural areas where one carrier covers a large geographic area but wants other carriers to participate in providing service.
Wireless Wave: What do you think of wireless industry initiatives designed to develop a content classification system?
Chairman Martin: I think the wireless industry has an important opportunity to
work with interest groups concerned about content issues. And I think industry should take full advantage of that opportunity. I also think the industry should do all it can to come up with tools parents can use to control content, in a way that can be embraced by the different interest groups concerned about this issue.
More broadly, I think the Commission is always more receptive to solutions worked out between industry and other interested parties. I think that what the industry did with law enforcement on AMBER alerts was very important. That’s a great model going forward. Another example of this kind of cooperation is the wireless industry working with the disability community on some of the Hearing Aid Compatibility issues that recently came before the Commission (on June 9). The Commission was able to incorporate those ideas into the resolution of the issues.
I would encourage you to try to establish these kinds of partnerships early. The earlier you do it, the greater the opportunity to work out any differences, and the more receptive the Commission will be to suggested solutions. I think all the Commissioners support these kinds of partnerships.
