[CWN-Summit] 900 MHz Proceeding

[Harold Feld]

I'd like to ask for the support of everyone on this list in trying to 
defend unlicensed access in the 900 MHz spectrum band, and help push 
to expand availability.

Back in 1999, the FCC auctioned licenses for the Location and 
Monitoring Service (LMS).  The licenses share the 904.00-928.00 MHz 
band with unlicensed users, subject to power limitations and a "safe 
harbor" to protect unlicensed users.  These limits make the service 
fairly worthless, as shown in the auction price ($4.5 million for all 
licenses combined).

The LMS licensees, rather than actually build the service, have sat 
on the spectrum and whined at the FCC to give them increased spectrum 
rights at the expense of the unlicensed users.  Sadly, because there 
are no defenders of unlicensed spectrum at the FCc anymore, the FCC 
has now put such a proposal out for comment.  While paying lip 
service to the concept of protecting the status quo on 900 MHZ 
unlicensed, the order makes clear that it will not worry too much if 
improving life for the licensed services harms the unlicensed users.

Yesterday, MAP and New America Foundation filed comments arguing that 
if the FCC wants to do something to improve the 900 MHz band, it 
should focus on improving the ability to use unlicensed spectrum in 
the band rather than improve life for speculators who picked up 
bargain-basement licenses and now want to get free benefits from the 
Commission.  You can read the comments here: 
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6518357368

I'd like to ask everyone who can to take a minute and file comments 
with the FCC opposing the proposed rules and supporting our 
comments.  This will only take five minutes and can potentially make 
a huge difference.  Given the current leadership of the FCC, which I 
would describe as indifferent to unlicensed users, it will require a 
large number of comments to persuade the FCC that their proposal will 
have a major impact on people's lives.

To file, simply click on this link: 
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi

In the box called Proceeding (box 1) enter 06-49.

Fill out the rest of the form.  You can either type a brief comment 
into the window or attach a comment using the template provided.

You do not need to be a lawyer, or even a US citizen.

Harold