SUBSCRIBE TO TMCnet
TMCnet - World's Largest Communications and Technology Community

CHANNEL BY TOPICS


QUICK LINKS




Deadline Time: Congress Must Tackle Telecom Reform

Master Agent Featured Articles

Deadline Time: Congress Must Tackle Telecom Reform

 
February 26, 2015

Share
Tweet
  By Rory J. Thompson, Web Editor
 


It’s been talked about ad infinitum, but the time is actually now if Congress is going to take on the thorny issue of telecom reform.

In an opinion piece posted on Washington blog The Hill, Mark Maddox, a former senior official at the U.S. Department of Energy, spells out his case as to why this critical issue can no longer be ignored.

“Last updated nearly two decades ago, policymakers are seeking to provide certainty to consumers and businesses that are increasingly dependent on wireless communication,” Maddox says. “To set the table for needed reforms, Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Telecommunications Subcommittee, has been asking questions of industry, sharing ideas through policy white papers and seeking input from stakeholders for well over a year.”


That’s all well and good, but the time for asking is over; now it’s time for action, and Maddox likens those actions to ‘balancing elephants on a pin.’

“The issues are diverse, the pace of technological change is incredible and interested parties are digging their heels in at every turn,” Maddox notes. “To say the task at hand is challenging is an understatement.”

For example, Maddox looks at the question of “spectrum,” and spells out the specific challenges facing consumers, businesses and lawmakers. (His complete piece is accessible HERE.) He sums up the matter thusly: “Spectrum (News - Alert) is limited, the financial stakes are high, and everyone has a cellphone and home Wi-Fi network. It's why policymakers are constantly meddling in spectrum allocation,” Maddox says. “Their proclivity to reengineer spectrum and the rules by which its use is governed is a drag on private-sector innovation. It also has an impact on consumers who want new products and better services.”

In short, it’s potentially Washington gridlock at its worst. But it’s not an issue that can just be shunted aside until after the next election. People are demanding action now, and lawmakers find themselves in the precarious position of doing something, anything, that is certain to annoy a segment of their constituency. With so many players having such high stakes in the outcome, it’s going to end up being a no-win situation for someone. Who that ‘someone’ is remains to be seen.

 
Master Agent Homepage ›





Technology Marketing Corporation

2 Trap Falls Road Suite 106, Shelton, CT 06484 USA
Ph: +1-203-852-6800, 800-243-6002

General comments: [email protected].
Comments about this site: [email protected].

STAY CURRENT YOUR WAY

© 2024 Technology Marketing Corporation. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy