Wave: Why do you think the 700 MHz open access requirements were necessary, rather than just allowing the normal auction process to run its course and the winning licensees determining what they want to do with the spectrum?
Copps: I think there's enough spectrum out there that we should be a little bit innovative and try a new model that hasn't been tried elsewhere. We should see if some of the competitive policies that have been tried in other countries have a role to play in our own spectrum dealings. So I think there are a number of good reasons for the open access requirements.
Wave: The commission recently issued new E911 rules, some to which the industry takes exception. In particular, the commission is requiring the wireless industry to test E-911 location accuracy compliance at the PSAP-level and to implement that requirement over 5 years. There are concerns over procedure, as well as the technical feasibility of this rule in the time frame provided.
Copps: Well, I'm always for getting the information first and then deciding, but that
doesn't always happen, and I made some reference to that in an item we had before us recently at the FCC regarding E911. That is a vitally important issue, and I look for a constructive discussion that I think we should be having amongst us. These are matters that must be addressed. This is really urgent. There is no higher priority for any public servant than the safety of the people. So I just think we've got to make this thing work, and the next few months are really going to be critically important to whether that comes to pass.
Michael Copps
FCC Commissioner
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Michael J. Copps" Podcast