Martin Didn’t Intend to Endorse Broadband Optimization Plan

Chmn. Martin didn’t intend to endorse a band plan by Access Spectrum and Pegasus for the 700 MHz guard bands (CD March 19 p4) that the companies call their broadband optimization plan (BOP), an FCC spokesman said Mon. The spokesman clarified that Martin was voicing a commitment to the general principle of allowing use of the 24 MHz public safety spectrum for broadband, along with narrowband or voice, in answering Rep. Stupak’s(D-Mich.) question at last week’s House oversight hearing. Some observers, including Access Spectrum, which put out a statement, heard Martin’s statement as endorsing the BOP. “The Chairman had not intended to leave an impression that he was endorsing the details of BOP or any other specific plan,” the spokesman said.

According to a hearing transcript, Comrs. McDowell, Tate, Copps and Adelstein were noncommital in commenting after Martin on the BOP. “The objective sounds good, but we, I need to look at the details,” Copps said. “We've looked at it,” Adelstein said: “I think it’s a very good idea, and I'm hopeful that I can support it.”

Martin said in further response to Stupak that though the Commission would need to decide on the auction in April or May, decisions about public safety issues could be made in the fall. “While the auction is going on we can… try to identify what the public safety should be doing with the pieces of the spectrum that aren’t being auctioned,” he said.

Michael Gottdenker, CEO of Access Spectrum, said Mon. he hopes “the Chairman and all the Commissioners appreciate the widespread support for the BOP, including the vigorous support of the public safety community.” In an earlier statement Gottdenker cited Martin’s “timely endorsement” of the proposal.

“We hope that they soon will all be in a position to endorse the BOP publicly,” Gottdenker said: “The only plan before the FCC that provides more spectrum and broadband nationwide for vital public safety communications is the BOP. This is why public safety is adamant on the need to adopt the BOP immediately.”