FCC Chairman Michael Powell said he rejects the notion that there are not enough airwaves to go around for broadcasters who want them. He said recent FCC tests in five major U.S. cities found that there are many unused spectrum "holes," especially when some airwaves are used only at certain times and otherwise left empty.
"These results call into question the traditional assumptions about congestion," he said. "It appears that most of spectrum is not in use most of the time."
In remarks to be delivered late Wednesday at the University of Colorado, Powell proposed an overhaul of telecommunications policy involving spectrum, the range of radio frequencies used for everything from television broadcasts to wireless Internet devices.
"We are still living under a spectrum management regime that is 90 years old," he said. "It needs a hard look and, in my opinion, a new direction."
Powell's proposals are built on the work of a spectrum-policy task force the FCC formed in June, said Bryan Tramont, a senior legal adviser to Powell. The task force's review of regulations governing how airwaves are used will be reported to the FCC next week, Tramont said.
Powell said he hopes technology and new FCC policies will take advantage of empty airwaves.
Consumer advocates often critical of the FCC praised that position.
"More efficient uses of spectrum could bring us lower prices and more competition for telephone, video and broadband Internet services," said Chris Murray, an attorney for Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports magazine.
Powell also said one of the FCC's core missions -- preventing broadcasts from interfering with one another -- needs to be revised to account for new technology. The government addresses interference problems by limiting the power and emissions from transmitters and requiring broadcasters and wireless companies to get FCC permission before expanding their operations.
"This process is not only inefficient, it can stymie innovation," he said.
Powell said the FCC should examine whether technology -- particularly smarter receivers that can filter unwanted signals -- can replace or modify regulations as solutions to interference problems.
The goal of the spectrum task force was to help develop policies that provide "minimal regulatory intervention and greater benefits to consumers," Powell said.
"Businesses must go to the FCC for permission before they can modify their spectrum plans to respond to consumer demand," Powell said. "Today's marketplace demands that we provide license holders with greater flexibility to respond to consumer wants, market realities and national needs without first having to ask for the FCC's permission."
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