Adapting Regulatory Frameworks to 21st Century Networks and Markets

The agenda for January’s open agenda will include four items tied together by one common theme: “Adapting Regulatory Frameworks to 21st Century Networks.” I’d like to take this opportunity to briefly discuss why each of these items is so important.

1. Among the biggest changes the Federal Communications Commission must confront are the IP transitions. Note the use of the plural “transitions.” Circuit switching is being replaced by more efficient networks -- made of fiber or copper or wireless. Greater efficiency in networks can translate into greater innovation and greater benefits for network operators and users alike. The best way to speed technology transitions is to incent network investment and innovation by preserving the enduring values that consumers and businesses have come to expect. Those values: public safety, interconnection, competition, consumer protection and, of course, universal access, are not only familiar, they are fundamental. At the January 30 Commission meeting, we will propose a series of experiments utilizing all-IP networks. We hope and expect that many proposed experiments, wired and wireless, will be forthcoming. Those experiments will allow the networks, their users, the FCC and the public to assess the impact and potential of all-IP networks on consumers, customers and businesses in all parts of our country, including rural America, and all populations, including people with disabilities.
2. To help meet the nation’s rapidly increasing demand for spectrum, the Commission is moving forward on implementing a one-time broadcast television incentive auction, as authorized by Congress two years ago to help meet the nation’s rapidly increasing spectrum demands. Building on information provided late last year about the path to a successful incentive auction, at the January Open Meeting, the Incentive Auction Task Force will provide additional details about the timeline and milestones of this process.
3. Consumers expect that they will be able to reach emergency services by texting 911, whether they’re using traditional SMS or an over-the-top interconnected text app. This is not an unreasonable expectation -- consumers should have the ability to reach 911 by all commonly accepted means of communication.
4. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the FCC is one of my highest priorities. Diane Cornell will present findings of an effort to generate ideas to improve agency operations. The report will include proposals to improve the speed and transparency of FCC processes and decision-making; to streamline data collections to ease burdens and enhance relevance; to improve interactions with external stakeholders; to eliminate outdate rules; and to improve internal management.