Levers to Intensify Broadband Competition -- Part I Spectrum

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[Commentary] The National Broadband Plan has a lot of recommendations for improving the spectrum position of the mobile providers. While there have been some problems, the government has made significant progress in replenishing the empty spectrum cupboard we saw in 2009 and creating new supplies. But there are three problems with spectrum as our single strategy. First, it takes a very long time to identify spectrum bands and make them available for use. Second, the two largest wireless providers are also the two largest fixed line telcos, changing the incentives for what it would be if they were different companies. Third, the next generation of mobility, sometimes referred to as 5G, will rely on small cells, an architecture that will require greater fiber connectivity. These problems don’t mean we shouldn’t proceed, but only that we should be realistic about the timing and impact of the first leverage point of more spectrum.


Levers to Intensify Broadband Competition -- Part I Spectrum