Lobbying tips from a lacrosse goalie…
Playing Division I College Lacrosse at Lehigh was an awesome experience. I would never dream of stepping into the cage today. My reflexes are not as good and saving a beachball would be quite troublesome. However, the lessons I learned on the lacrosse field have served me well as a wireless advocate. Accordingly, I thought I would share some tips in the diner. Continue Reading »
the day the online music died…
Today, for many diners that like to listen to internet radio, there is only silence. Independent DJs and big companies like Yahoo! are protesting a decision by the Copyright Royalty Board, which has proposed an increase in the royalty fees that webcasters pay to the labels. The increase will take effect on July 15. Many webcasters believe that this hike will put them out of business and they are seeking legislation from Congress to prevent them from going dark permanently. The bill would nullify the decision of the Copyright Royalty Judges and put the royalty rate on par with what satellite radio pays.
Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA) used the occasion to talk about the bill this morning on the House floor. A Senate companion bill has been offered by Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Update – this post has been edited. I tried to link Congressman Inslee’s floor speech and encountered technical difficulties.
Fred Thompson – enjoying the conversation…
It looks like a Republican candidate for 2008 (well he has not declared yet) is enjoying the conversation online. Not only is Fred Thompson twittering and commenting on other blogs – he is actively looking to build a team focused on new media. I know this is nothing new – campaigns embracing the internet. However, it really demonstrates a true effort by the Thompson team to promote their prescence online and take Republicans to a different level on the internet.
This is great news and I hope it continues to spread. Kudos to the Thompson campaign – oops, Senator Thompson for not just throwing a facebook page but actually participating. I hope the momentum continues and it cascades down to others seeking office.
Feel free to add me to your friends. My twitter handle is mobilediner…
We’ll get the widget up soon…
In October 2006, Verizon launched “PoliBlog.” Google also decided to launch their policy blog this week, and TIA launched one last week. Buckle up this is just the beginning…
As I mentioned a few months ago, we are going to see lots of folks (GR firms, associations etc.) in DC joining the conversation, and their intentions will be different. With regard to government relation firms, I think blogging will be used primarily for client development. Associations can utilize it for PR and as a real time tool to communicate with its members. Companies will utilize it as another medium to push their message.
Analogous to a wireless lobbyist who should have the latest gadget and should know how to use its functionality, I am glad to see those that are weighing in on tech are actually participating in it as well. It would be even better if some lawmakers joined the fun too. Perhaps it would go a long way to understanding this medium and not fearing it.
The Dip – a great read and will get you thinking…
I was at Politics and Prose on Saturday and had the opportunity to listen to Scott Gant discuss his new book We’re all Journalists now. I haven’t had a chance to read it but, I have pondered my own role in new media…
As I strolled around a bit, I knew I wanted to pick up Seth Godin’s new book - the dip. The dip is a quick read (76 pages) and I finished it last night. In any event, it really made me think about my own career and the mobile diner. Continue Reading »
video blogging with CTIA President Steve Largent…
Ashley interviewed Steve Largent (CEO, CTIA) yesterday at CTIA Headquarters. Accordingly, we look forward to sharing it on Monday.
Ashley got Steve’s take on how his background as a former NFL wide receiver and Congressman prepared him to lead the wireless industry. She also got his perspectives on the iPhone and the impact of new media.
Please tune-in on Monday night…
The Senate held another hearing on 700 MHz. Senate Committee Chairman Inouye (D-Hawaii) assembled two good panels to discuss the upcoming auction. The first panel looked at Public Safety spectrum needs in the context of Frontline’s proposal. The second panel discussed commercial use and allocation of the 700 MHz spectrum.
There were no real surprises yesterday. However, I believe a great deal of information was gleaned from Paul Cosgrave (Comissioner, NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications). I want to focus my thoughts on his comments to the Committee. I touched upon most of what was discussed on the second panel earlier this week. Continue Reading »
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On the horizon, our first video effort! On Thursday, Ashley will interview Steve Largent, President and CEO, CTIA – the Wireless Association…
Update – the title has been edited…
Senate Commerce Hearing on 700 MHz…
The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a second hearing on 700 MHz spectrum this Thursday. The first hearing focused on Cyren Call and their initial plan to pass legislation giving the 30 MHz slated for industry to Public Safey. Cyren’s call on Capitol Hill was not answered. However, the new flavor of the month is FrontLine Wireless’ plan to create an E block (cut the D block in the upper band in half) next to Public Safety’s allocation and create a public-private partnership. The problem with FrontLine’s proposal is all of the poison pills included in it.
With regard to the hearing, the Commerce Committee is again looking to hear from Public Safety on the first panel and industry on the second panel.
Here are the invited guests for Thursday:
Panel 1
Mr. James Barksdale, Partner, Frontline Wireless
Mr. Paul Cosgrave, Comissioner, NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications
Ms. Wanda McCarley, President, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, Inc. (APCO)
Mr. Philip Weiser, Professor of Law and Telecommunications and Executive Director Silicon Flatirons Program, University of Colorado School of Law
Panel 2
Mr. Dick Lynch, Chief Technical Officer, Verizon Wireless
Mr. Michael Small, CEO, Centennial Communications
Dr. Amol Sarva, CEO, Txtbl
Dish Disclosure – Our firm works on spectrum issues for CTIA and the Wireless Broadband Coalition (Verizon Wireless is a member of the Coalition).
CTIA Announces National Wireless Safety Week
CTIA is kicking off its Annual Wireless Safety Week at the VITA Awards at Union Station on Monday night. At the awards, they will be honoring eight people who have used wireless technology in emergency situations to help others. They will also be promoting AmberAlerts around the Hill all week.
iPhone buzz aside, its good to remember that phones are more than just must-have accessories; they’ve been integral in saving lives and reporting crimes in countless situations.
If only people wouldn’t use them to text while driving…
It is great to see more folks in Washington joining the conversation and reaching out to their customers. Accordingly, I wanted to highlight TIA and my friend Ian Martinez’s blog. They have been talking about it for awhile and I’m glad to see they have finally launched.
Check out TIA’s blog…
the 700 MHz sweepstakes cont’d…
Charlie Townsend (CEO, Aloha Partners) has called the 700 MHz spectrum “the best spectrum the FCC has ever auctioned.” As we know, Aloha Partners is currently the largest holder of spectrum in 700 MHz. They currently have 12 MHz (2 X 6 MHz channels – CH. 54 and CH. 59) in the lower band which is enough to deliver roughly 40 linear TV channels. With regard to Mr. Townsend’s proclamation, it might be validated by all of the action occuring at the FCC and now the Senate Commerce Committee would like to get a final word with a hearing slated for June 14th… Continue Reading »
Lehman Brothers Spectrum Panel…
Congress comes back this week and everybody in the wireless industry awaits the final rules for the upcoming 700 MHz auction. Accordingly, it was a perfect time for Lehman Brothers to hold a spectrum panel at their W3 conference last week in New York.
The panel assembled by Lehman Brothers consisted of corporate executives (Charles Townsend – Aloha Partners & George Alex – Nextwave), former government players (Jonathan Cohen – Wilkinson & David Taylor – Capitol Solutions) and a representative from the wireless industry (Carolyn Brandon – CTIA).
Mr. Townsend was able to paint a picture of the economic value of the spectrum. Aloha Partners is currently the largest holder of spectrum in the 700 MHz band and from both an operational and experience perspective his comments were insightful. George Alex spoke about the potential of wireless broadband and how a mix of spectrum positions (1.9 MHz, 2.3 MHz, 2.5 MHz) will be able to deliver a quality broadband experience for consumers. Basically, NextWave feels that 700 MHz isn’t the make or break for a company to deliver in the new world. Carolyn Brandon was also able to weigh in with CTIA’s position on various proposals under consideration at the FCC. Continue Reading »
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