More Spectrum for Mobile Broadband

The FCC may be biting off more than it can effectively chew.

Next week, details of the "National Broadband Plan" will be unveiled, which are expected to cover the voluntary reallocation of unused television broadcasting spectrum, the establishment of a national mobile broadband network for first responders (fire departments, police, ambulances), and the delivery of mobile broadband services to rural areas of the country.  All of these initiatives are meant to leverage, "our country's mobile broadband leadership opportunity," and meet, "our global competitiveness challenge."

While the country's wireless service providers are drooling over the chance to acquire more bandwidth to serve their data-hungry audience, I think the FCC is counting on a lot of cooperation from all the parties involved, including those who have the most to lose.  And I don't think everyone is going to be so ready to play nice.

Broadcasters have an opportunity to turn their unused bandwidth into money making ventures on their own -- additional digital channels, on demand programming, and so forth -- rather than accept the small portion of the spectrum auction proceeds.  Wireless service providers are going to devote the same amount of effort to the public first responder network and rural areas as they do now, which is practically none, while being reimbursed for their paltry efforts with federal stimulus funds.  First responders wouldn't pay much, or anything, for minutes used, and rural markets don't have enough users to make it worth the effort of providing "platinum" service.  And it is very likely the government would be charged exorbitant rates for the emergency staff calls and rural downloads, even though the quality of service would be little different from what everyone else gets.

The FCC is counting on everyone to get together and support this program for the betterment of America.  FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "If we get it right, broadband, and in particular mobile broadband, will be an enduring engine for creating jobs and growing our economy, for spreading knowledge and enhancing civic engagement, for advancing a healthier, sustainable way of life."

That's a pretty big, "If," Julius.