Satellite : Open Access to 700 MHz Working

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Are the open access mandates attached to a portion of 700 MHz spectrum paying off for the Federal Communications Commission?

The commission tied that condition to a portion of spectrum auctioned off earlier in the year. And in a speech before a law seminar last week, FCC Commission Jonathan Adelstein hailed the agency's "adoption of a meaningful, though not perfect open access environment" on that spectrum portion.

"I would like to take credit for all this innovation. But seriously, clearly the market is moving toward openness," Adelstein told the gathering. "Consumers are demanding it, true innovation requires it, and those companies who do not lead on it will find themselves left behind."

Adelstein said he has heard from those eyeing uses for 700 MHz spectrum that the open access conditions are playing a key role in spurring creativity.

"Our decision represented an honest, good faith effort to establish an open access regime for devices and applications that will hopefully serve consumers well and create opportunities for providers for many years to come," he said.

The FCC commissioner added that broadband competition will flourish thanks to developing wireless services.

"Without a doubt, spectrum-based services ultimately will be the next driver of competition and innovation in the broadband space. So, we all will play an important role in promoting the further deployment of spectrum based services for the benefit of our country and economy," Adelstein said.