SpectrumTalk

FCC Begins Inquiry
into
Wireless Innovation
and
Investment

At today's Commission meeting a new NOI was adopted on this topic.

[See update below]

Comment Date: September 28, 2009
Reply Comment Date: October 12, 2009

The news release states

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a Wireless Innovation and Investment Notice of Inquiry(“NOI”) that seeks to identify concrete steps the Commission can take to support and encourage further innovation and investment in the wireless marketplace. This NOI also seeks to better understand the factors that encourage innovation and investment throughout this area.

Innovation in wireless, an increasingly significant part of the communications sector, can be an engine for near-term economic recoveryand long-term economic growth. In furtherance of this goal, the NOI seeks comment broadly on all ideas that will foster wireless innovation and investment. In particular, the NOI focuses on spectrum availabilityand use, wireless networks, devices, applications, and business practices. The NOI also seeks comment on how the public has used wireless services and technology to solve real-world problems in areas such as health care, energy, education, and public safety.

More generally, the NOI seeks to develop a framework for analyzing wireless innovation and investment, including any metrics or data sources that should be considered. This framework, together with the record developed in response to the Mobile Competition Report NOI adopted today, will serve as a base of knowledge to inform Commission consideration of wireless regulatory issues going forward.

Chmn. Genachowski added,

we seek to identify appropriate and concrete steps the Commission can take to support and encourage further innovation and investment in this area, and to understand better the factors that encourage innovation and investment in wireless.

UPDATE
Revised deadlines

Comments 9/30/09
Replies 10/15/09

ex parte rules now also apply.