Spectrum policy may need to be more “inclusive,”...

Spectrum policy may need to be more “inclusive,” said a Congressional Research Service report (http://bit.ly/1a1gcUy). “Many policy makers and Members of Congress are concerned, for example, that the current structure of auctions to assign spectrum licenses does not provide enough opportunities for competition or new entrants into mobile communications markets,” said the report, by telecom policy specialist Linda Moore. She also wrote a CRS report on FirstNet and the relevant issues it poses for Congress. “In addition to monitoring progress in building the new broadband network for public safety, Congress may want to consider reviewing the role of commercial networks in emergency response and recovery,” CRS said (http://bit.ly/1hCsUxc). “Once commercial communications lines are compromised because of infrastructure failures, interdependent public safety networks are threatened and the ability to communicate vital information to the public is diminished. New policy initiatives may be needed to identify critical gaps in communications infrastructure and the means to fund the investments needed to close these gaps.” CRS questioned the governance of FirstNet and the manner in which it’s housed within NTIA. Both reports, which CRS doesn’t publicly release, are dated March 12.