US opens inquiry into wireless
20th August 2009.
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has stated that it plans to shortly launch a public notice on its website to examine the competitive nature of the wireless industry in the US and how it can "encourage further innovation and investment." It is unclear at this point exactly what that very broad term might cover, but if a behemoth like the FCC is getting involved we may see some slow but significant shifts in the wireless industry the other side of the Atlantic.
(watch their site for more info: www.fcc.gov).
UPDATE (27th August):
The details are published and it seems to be a fairly broad ranging review, here's the full text for you:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a Wireless Innovation and Investment Notice of Inquiry ("NOI") that seeks to identify concrete steps the Commission can take to support and encourage further innovation and investment in the wireless marketplace. This NOI also seeks to better understand the factors that encourage innovation and investment throughout this area.
Innovation in wireless, an increasingly significant part of the communications sector, can be an engine for near-term economic recovery and long-term economic growth. In furtherance of this goal, the NOI seeks comment broadly on all ideas that will foster wireless innovation and investment. In particular, the NOI focuses on spectrum availability and use, wireless networks, devices, applications, and business practices. The NOI also seeks comment on how the public has used wireless services and technology to solve real-world problems in areas such as health care, energy, education, and public safety.
More generally, the NOI seeks to develop a framework for analyzing wireless innovation and investment, including any metrics or data sources that should be considered. This framework, together with the record developed in response to the Mobile Competition Report NOI adopted today, will serve as a base of knowledge to inform Commission consideration of wireless regulatory issues going forward.
Well, I don't know about you, but we're not really any the wiser for that...
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