There’s one notable exception from the agenda of the FCC’s next open meeting: net neutrality and Title II.
The agency plans to cover the UHF and VHF television bands, experimental licenses and ways to accelerate “opportunistic use” of underdeveloped spectrum. It doesn’t plan to take up the issue of net neutrality or reclassifying broadband Internet services under Title II.
The Nov. 30 meeting offered FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski an opportunity to move forward with its net neutrality agenda after receiving reply comments on how regulations should apply to managed services and mobile broadband. Yesterday was the last day for stakeholders to comment on the issue.
Some feel that momentum is waning for the FCC’s net neutrality push, especially after the GOP win in the House. The agency has yet to enact regulations amid a bombardment of lobbying from net neutrality advocates, wireline broadband Internet providers and the wireless industry.
The FCC does seem to be making progress on its goal to free up 300 MHz of spectrum for mobile broadband services within five years, and 500 MHz of spectrum within 10 years.
At its November meeting, the FCC will introduce ways to make it easier to deploy mobile broadband services in UHF and VHF spectrum bands currently reserved for television broadcasters. The agency is also looking into ways to accelerate use of underdeveloped spectrum in both licensed and unlicensed bands.
The agency also will consider ways of making its experimental licensing rules more flexible to speed the development of new technologies by easing testing restrictions on researchers working on new wireless services and devices.
The FCC has considered a variety of methods for freeing up additional spectrum for the wireless industry, including the auction of unused broadcast spectrum.
Separately, the FCC also said it had received recommendations from the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service on ways to improve its Lifeline and Link Up programs amid migration to wireless service and the increased importance of broadband Internet service. The board’s recommendations include automatic enrollments in the program, measures to prevent fraud and increasing eligibility for the program.
Filed Under: Industry regulations
