You may have heard that we’re running out of mobile data bandwidth. As more and more people are using more and more data to stream content to their phones and tablets, the mobile spectrum is starting to get crowded. Seeing the potential for a broadband shortage, Congress acted in 2012 (remember the halcyon days of yesteryear when Congress sometimes actually did things?) to authorize the FCC to auction portions of the radio frequency spectrum to mobile carriers to expand their data bandwidth. The catch is that those portions of the spectrum are currently controlled by broadcasters who are unlikely to give it up without being adequately compensated. So, the FCC is offering them a portion of the proceeds from the sale. This is a win/win because the broadcasters don’t use all of the bandwidth they have available, so they’ll get to take home some cash, mobile carriers will be able to expand their bandwidth, and the federal government will get a nice boost to its revenue as well. However, the broadcasters and the mobile carriers alike are balking at whether they even want to go through with the thing if the FCC protects Net Neutrality on the mobile networks. As you may recall, the FCC is still working on a set of new Net Neutrality regulations, and Internet service providers have been trying to scuttle any effort to prevent them from regulating content from day one. This little tantrum is no different. “If I can’t have ALL the bandwidth and NO regulations, then I don’t even want any at all!” they seem to be screaming, petulantly, right before throwing themselves on the floor and kicking their feet wildly in the air. So, here’s what probably ought to happen. The FCC needs to finalize its net neutrality rules. Then, once that framework is in place, they should proceed with the auction. The reality is, the mobile carriers need the bandwidth regardless of whether they’re angry that they have to play fair. They’ll buy it. The Broadcasters will take their cut and go home happy, and everybody wins.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 16:22:15 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015