More Bad News for Genachowski
August 6, 2010
| 1:33 PM
In yet another setback this week for the FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's agenda, the spectrum bill unveiled by Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Chairman John (Jay) Rockefeller, D-W.Va Thursday evening clashes with proposals laid out in the national broadband plan.
The bill, which would create a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network, specifically prohibits the FCC from reclaiming spectrum from broadcast television licensees on an involuntary basis. The possibility of taking spectrum through involuntary means had been detailed in the FCC's national broadband plan.
The National Association of Broadcaster's applauded Rockefeller's move.
"NAB is grateful for the wise leadership of Senator Rockefeller on an issue of critical importance to the millions of viewers who rely on free and local television," Dennis Wharton, NAB spokesperson said in a statement. "Broadcasters have no quarrel with incentive auctions that are truly voluntary, and the new legislation provides sound direction for that approach."
What's more, the measure would allocate 10 megahertz of spectrum, known as the D block, to the network. That provision flies in the face of the FCC's proposal to auction off the D block to spur competition and earn money for public safety.
When asked about Rockefeller's forthcoming spectrum bill at a press conference Thursday morning, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said that he and Rockefeller have proposed different paths to reach the same goal and are working together on it.
"The biggest obstacle to getting a national broadband plan built for first responders is paying for it," Genachowski said. "If it does not get paid for, it does not happen," he added.
Other key provisions of the bill include providing the FCC with the authority to conduct incentive auctions in which owners of spectrum may voluntarily relinquish their airwaves in exchange for a portion of the proceeds of the commercial auction and directing the commission to establish standards for leasing portions of the network when it's not needed by public safety officials.
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