Mobile Diner® where wireless and washington meet….

I recently wrote about the Broadband Opportunity in America and one of my major points was urging policymakers to take a new approach in tackling the Broadband challenge.  Specifically, focusing on the demand side of the problem.

Over the years, in telecom policy discussions, we have always discussed how wireless could be a major factor in enabling folks to reach the web.  When I was at AT&T Wireless, I was proud of our relationship with NTT DoCoMo and had faith that we could replicate much of their success in 3G.  It has taken a few years but the industry has arrived.  Wireless can now offer a reliable link to the internet with devices that consumers demand.

A recent article in PC World highlighted research that showed low-income users were the fastest growing segment of new iPhone users.  The study found that users with income levels of $25,000-$50,000 represented the largest demographic of consumers for the month of August. Continue Reading »

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(Flickr Photo Credit – danesparza)

With regard to telecommunications policy and broadband, the last few years in Washington has been more noise than signal. Hearing after hearing brings lots of whining about broadband – but no solutions. A few academics have gone to the Hill and claimed there is no competition and a few lawmakers like to point out our worldwide rank (15th) in broadband. These same individuals will also point the finger at service providers for a lack of broadband in America.

CHANGE

This is a change election. Every candidate – even folks who have been in office for years – are running on change. Accordingly, I hope that a new administration will bring a new approach to the broadband opportunity in America.

No more pointing the finger. No more lack of accountability. This issue is not conservative or liberal. It is a people issue.

In any case, here are some thoughts to get the ball rolling in the right direction on an issue that is extremely important to our future. Continue Reading »

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I’ve been digesting the latest from policymakers and regulators the last few weeks. Overall, lots of good conversations about the wireless industry and thoughts about what is on the horizon. These are exciting times…

This new world of communications isn’t built around voice and text-messaging. It is a world built on innovations – many from startups and small companies – that can thrive on next generation wireless networks. A world where we know where our friends are at all times and a world where we can shoot mobile video – anytime and anywhere. It is our world and we are driving this revolution.

Carriers are currently evolving their traditional networks and building for this broadband revolution. A revolution where not just a few participate but one where we all are active. This revolution will allow everyone the ability to browse, search and share on their wireless device…

Unfortunately, there is a little bit of noise and static from a few folks in Washington. These folks believe they know what we want to do with our wireless devices – when most of them are still stuck in analog. These folks want to take us back to the antiquated world of spectrum caps. These are the folks who are not happy with the results of the 700 MHz auction and have an appetite to micro-manage a sector that doesn’t need it…

How many times do we have to go down this road? Spectrum caps only hurt consumers. Continue Reading »

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Flickr photo credit – juicyrai

On Tuesday Yesterday, I picked up the Wall Street Journal and read with enthusiasm about at&t’s potential wireless efforts in India.  At the same time, I was trying to block out the noise coming from the House Commerce Subcommittee Hearing.

With regard to the hearing, it was primarily focused on special access, forbearance petitions at the FCC, muni-broadband deployment, and copper retirement.  As always, Chairman Markey (D-MA) put together a great panel, but the regulatory tone emanating from the Committee was quite troublesome.

Wireless is not immune to calls for regulation.  As we know, Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) is leading the charge to empower the states who have been craving to get their hands on wireless.  In any case, it is good to see other countries who have seen the good and know what wireless can do promote it.  Seeing is believing and I applaud the Indian regulators for tweaking their regulations to facilitate foreign operators’ investments in their country.  Unfortunately, we’ll just have to deal with the wireless whining on Capitol Hill.

On that note, the Senate Commerce Committee will have a hearing on wireless issues on October 17th.  I am hopeful that some lawmakers will offer ways to enable wireless broadband deployment instead of just complaining about our “glorified radios.”

dish disclosure -  CTIA is a client of our firm.

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George Washington University’s Institute for Policy, Democracy & the Internet hosted a discussion about the “Future of Broadband Wireless” last night. Rick Whitt (Washington Telecom and Media Counsel, Google) was the keynote speaker but it was more of an open forum for questions regarding Google’s vision of wireless.  I enjoyed the conversation and look forward to future forums at GW (IPID will be hosting more technology discussions).

Rick began the conversation with his thoughts about 700 MHz and why Google has an interest in the spectrum. He did not say whether or not they will bid.  However, it is very clear Google has a wireless gameplan.  Link Hoewing (Assistant VP for Internet & Technology, Verizon) was in the audience and he was able to add to the conversation.  Accordingly, he offered his perspectives on having a “managed” network at Verizon Wireless as opposed to the open wireless network that Google envisions.

With regard to future spectrum allocations, the FCC recently released an NPRM seeking comment on the different technological approaches for the AWS III spectrum (2155-2175 MHz).  Chairman Martin also would like to have service rules released for this block in 9 months.  I asked Rick about his thoughts on the AWS III band.  He mentioned that Google is evaluating the band and thinking about the best approach for the spectrum (licensed model or unlicensed model).

Google wants the mobile internet to start with a “g.”  In some instances, it already does.  Google will be a key player propelling wireless broadband in America.  They key question is how do they do it…

What do YOU think?

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Ed Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the Telecommunications and Internet Subcommittee, held a hearing this morning on his draft broadband mapping and data collection bill.  The witnesses at the hearing were Larry Cohen (President, CWA), Dr. George Ford (Phoenix Center), Steve Largent (President, CTIA), Walter McCormick (President, USTA), Kyle McSlarrow (President, NCTA), Brian Mefford (CEO, Connect Kentucky), and Ben Scott (Policy Director, FreePress).  Once again, Chairman Markey had a great panel and all the witnesses generally agreed that the major thrust of the initiative (improving the FCC’s current methods) was a step in the right direction.

With regard to wireless, Mr. Largent (CTIA) discussed identifying all levels of service offerings.  In that manner, you could derive more value from the broadband map and get a “more textured picture” of the range of available services.  Walter McCormick (USTA) supports public/private partnerships but does not believe the definition of broadband needs to be redefined.  The current draft would amend the Telecom Act (1996) to define “high speed” as broadband connections with 2 mbps downstream and 1 mbps upstream.  By mapping everything (broadband inventory) you can get a better picture of what consumers have. Continue Reading »

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