| The U.S. Broadband Czars Will Be ... |
| Written by Dave Burstein |
There's $4B going through NTIA and perhaps $3B through the Agriculture Rural Utilities Service. Tom Vilsack is taking direct charge at RUS, promising not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessor that produced a 30% default rate and remarkably little additional deployment.  Everyone's speculating on who will run NTIA and become the primary czar.NTIA has traditionally taken the lead on spectrum policy, which is likely to be the most important change Obama will be moving forward. Available U.S. spectrum can increase 50% or perhaps double. That can create more competition and add broadband bandwidth, both crucial goals of the incoming team. Transition team member Kevin Werbach has been emphasizing more effective spectrum in articles since at least 2002 as have nearly all the technologists including Dave Farber. More spectrum is one part of the story; using spectrum more efficiently by sharing (SDR, cognitive radio) is also strongly supported by the new team. A third part, demanding that those with spectrum build out and use it more efficiently, hasn't been discussed much but makes excellent sense. Adelstein speaks of “use it or lose it.” U.S. spectrum leases are typically 10 years, with many due for renewal. The language of the law is very clear that the FCC can change the terms, although that hasn't been done very often. http://www.dslprime.com/policy/177-p/1143-obama-wireless-plan The NTIA decision is probably made – Obama is moving fast – but is being kept under wraps while cabinet nominees are going through the Congressional process. I have no direct word, and am working by inference. Larry Strickling has the best chance. He is now a senior Obama staffer. He ran an FCC bureau, so he has far more operational experience than most of the other names being thrown around. Former colleagues, including Bill Kennard and Robert C. Atkinson, think he's perfect for the job. Most of the other D.C. names don't have experience as managers, crucial to getting things done quickly. Alternatively, Obama (through Jules) may bring in someone with less telecom experience but a strong operations background. Take a look at http://www.dslprime.com/policy/177-p/1010-obama-policy30-profiles which includes most of the rumored candidates. |
