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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2000 |
|
FLEXIBILITY IN GUARD BANDS
Media Contact: Bryan Tramont
418-2000
I am pleased that the Commission has finalized its plans for the 700 MHz auctions. However, I must respectfully dissent from those portions of the order barring cellular-style architecture and restricting licensees to "guard band managers." In order to protect public safety operations, I would have set strict interference limits and enforced them - without the majority's limitation on the system architecture. This limitation blocks innovation and invites government micro-management. I would also have allowed any technically-compliant applicant to bid on the guard bands, rather than limiting eligibility to "guard band managers." Limiting an auction to one type of licensee shortchanges the public and the marketplace. Here, we have gone a step further by dictating a particular business plan. In an era in which the Commission voices support for deregulation and market forces, it is ironic that the sole licensees in this band must adopt a business model developed in the halls of government. Needless to say, in my view, that represents a step backwards.