Open Spectrum

On Sept. 17, in the regulatory equivalent of the dead of night, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a change in policy that amounts to one of the most expensive and unjustifiable grants of corporate welfare in our nation's history. If it isn't reversed, it could set a precedent that will have a long-lasting and damaging effect on our pocketbooks and the U.S. economy.

The FCC's decision ... virtually unreported in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, except… more

Today the American people collectively own the most valuable resource in the emerging information economy: the airwaves, also known as the electromagnetic spectrum. Auctions conducted last year in Europe and early this year in the U.S. suggest that spectrum occupied by commercial licensees has a market value well in excess of $300 billion. Unfortunately, while high bids by wireless phone companies should be a boon to the ordinary citizens who own the airwaves, high prices also evidence a policy-induced spectrum… more

A century ago, great fortunes derived from private control over oil, coal and steel -- the essential inputs to mass industrial production. Today the American people collectively own the most valuable resource in the emerging information economy: the airwaves, also known as the electromagnetic spectrum.

Cellphone use is exploding, and wireless Internet access already is available in certain central city and campus locations. Later in this decade, devices providing anywhere, anytime access to e-mail, entertainment, video-conferencing and databases worldwide could… more

The U.S. wireless industry argues that mobile Internet and other advanced ("3G") services will be delayed unless spectrum, already occupied by powerful incumbents, is reallocated and auctioned. The Pentagon, broadcasters, satellite firms, universities and fixed wireless providers are battling to hold on to their valuable spectrum licenses. Policy makers are desperately seeking a "deal" to free up spectrum for 3G. The FCC and Commerce Department have just decided to delay their recommendations; meanwhile, Rep. Pickering (R-MS) has proposed… more

When you think "First Amendment martyr," you don't exactly think AT&T. It's a safe bet that few executives at the telecom giant … more

Why are the airwaves -- medium of so much potential commerce -- so poorly managed in the U.S.? The rapidly growing demand for spectrum, or a range of frequencies, is creating tension between … more

To view Tom Wheeler's presentation slides from the New America Foundation event, "Battle Over the Airwaves," click on the link below.

Many of the resources that Americans own as a people — forests and minerals under public lands, public information and federally financed research, the broadcast airwaves and public institutions and traditions — are increasingly being taken over by private business interests. These appropriations of common assets are siphoning revenues from the public treasury, shifting ownership and control from public to private interests, and eroding democratic processes and shared cultural values.

In the face of this marketization of public resources, most Americans… more

The New York Times has called the airwaves the most valuable resource of the New Economy -- the auctions concluded last week raised a record $17 billion. One central issue the administration and Michael Powell, the FCC's new chairman, must confront is how to… more

Tom Wheeler's Presentation