Boucher To Draft Spectrum Auction Bill
The FCC's national broadband plan could get a boost from possible House legislation that would grant the agency authority to implement one of its core recommendations: creating a nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety officials, CongressDaily reported.
The agency has suggested that the network be built using 10 megahertz of spectrum already under the control of emergency responders. The proposal follows a failed effort by the commission to auction adjacent spectrum, known as the D-block, to a commercial bidder willing to enter into a public-private partnership with first responders.
During an appearance Tuesday at a telecommunications policy forum sponsored by National Journal, House Energy and Commerce Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher, D-Va., said he's exploring legislation addressing the issue.
"The commission had recommended an auction of the D-block, essentially without conditions. I agree with that recommendation," he said.
Boucher said he planned to huddle Tuesday with Communications Subcommittee ranking member Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., who also participated in the telecom event, on crafting a bill that would direct the FCC to hold another D-block auction, with the frequencies available solely for commercial use. Some of the auction proceeds would help finance construction of the emergency network featuring interoperable communications across jurisdictions, coupled with an additional $12 billion to $16 billion in appropriations sought by the agency. "I think we have the possibility for a bipartisan bill here," Stearns added.
Meanwhile, Boucher said at the forum that Thursday's scheduled oversight hearing featuring testimony from all five FCC regulators about the broadband plan might be bumped to April. A Senate Commerce hearing on the FCC's broadband plan that was supposed to take place Tuesday was postponed. To reach more, click here. (Subscription required)
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