Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Can anyone tell me what gives govt right to sell airwave for $6 billion.
http://www.cio.com/article/177151/_MHz_Spectrum_Auction_Bids_Top_B ^

Posted on 01/30/2008 9:06:30 AM PST by ideablitz

Computerworld — After the third day of the auction, bidding reached a total of $6.1 billion for 1,099 licenses in the Federal Communications Commission auction of 700-MHz wireless spectrum.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Government
KEYWORDS: airwave; government; regulation; technology; whitespace
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-65 last
To: El Gato
They have been using auctions for close to 14 years now.

The auctions are used when there are multiple, mutually exclusive applications for use of the frequencies. They are used to help select the best use for those frequencies.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=about_auctions

They don't just auction off all frequencies. They allocate a wide range of frequencies for a wide range of purposes, including military. Even when the frequencies are auctioned off, the bidders have to agree to use those frequencies under a wide range of restrictions, they can't just choose to use them however they want.

In fact I know of military applications for which are having buy new equipment, because they can no longer use the spectrum the older equipment can operate in. It's geographic problem, as in some places they can use the frequencies, they just can't use them in other places they need to do so.

The FCC only regulates the use of the spectrum in the United States. Other countries often regulate the use of the spectrum in the same way for the sake of compatibility, but we really can't dictate that other countries will work with us to make sure our military equipment doesn't get interfered with in other countries.

Therefore our military has been switching to more flexible software controlled radios.

61 posted on 01/31/2008 8:17:17 AM PST by untrained skeptic
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 60 | View Replies]

To: ßuddaßudd

>I hear Google is buying those frequencies. What are they >planning to use them for???

Gtalk

Low cost cell phones that incorporate the new media into a
portable device. Iphone did this with the help of AT&T and is somewhat open to browsing but it doesn’t thke it to the next step.

Google makes money by selling search/link data. If they provide the appliance at a low cost, then they can control the content. Searching for a Flight, Hotel, Meal, Movie?
Findit, Book it and pay for it with the Gtalk in your pocket.


62 posted on 01/31/2008 8:26:42 AM PST by blue_nova
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: ideablitz
What gives govt right to sell airwave spectrum.

Nothing. Defund the FCC.
63 posted on 01/31/2008 8:27:48 AM PST by mysterio
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: blue_nova

Thanks for the info. I barely use a cellphone now, so I cant get too excited about the Gtalk thingy....


64 posted on 01/31/2008 8:57:02 AM PST by ßuddaßudd (7 days - 7 ways Guero >>> with a floating, shifting, ever changing persona....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: El Gato

“If permanent and they can sell them, then they are selling the airways, and that’s not regulating, it’s selling.”

You’re making an awful lot of assumptions without having (a) read the applicable provisions of the Constitution, (b) read the federal rules and regulations pertaining to this process and (c) read the applications for the license that each bidder will have to complete. I suggest you do this before issuing pronouncements of what is “selling” and what is “regulating.”

As a transactional attorney whose job it is to research and draft complicated documents, I’m uneasy with those who arrive at conclusions such as yours without having done the requisite research. You’re not going to get a complete, accurate answer that is dispositive of the issue on a message board/forum website.


65 posted on 01/31/2008 9:22:11 AM PST by Deo et Patria ("Don't taze me, bro!")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 59 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-65 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson