Martin rushes to get D-Block to vote

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin, with time dwindling to move top policy priorities as a new administration prepares to assume power in January, is laying the groundwork to win approval by mid-December of final rules for highly controversial public-safety and wireless broadband auction initiatives. Somewhat less certain is whether equally contentious reforms of the universal service fund and intercarrier compensation regimes will make it on the Dec. 18 meeting agenda. If the USF/ICC item or any of the other proceedings are not ready for a vote by Dec. 18, Martin could have one last chance to put his imprint on telecom policy at a tentatively scheduled Jan. 15 meeting. Even if Martin succeeds in rounding up votes to pass 700 MHz D Block, advanced wireless services-3 and USF/ICC reform measures, the incoming Obama administration will have the job of addressing any regulatory and legal challenges as well as conducting bidding for wireless licenses in 2009. From most indications, controversy over D Block, AWS-3 and USF/ICC issues will not end when Martin is replaced as chairman of the FCC.