Coexistence, fair sharing, and smart spectrum management are key goals of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which seeks to make better and more efficient use of wireless bands to keep up with demand and bridge the digital divide. To this end, the Commission is launching an inquiry into receiver performance, which asks what steps it may take to promote more efficient receiver design. Specifically, the FCC poses questions related to actions involving incentives, guidelines, regulatory requirements, and/or procurement practices. The FCC chairwoman has stated that she believes changes to policy along these lines “could help create a more transparent and predictable radiofrequency environment for all users,” noting that “low-quality receivers can make it harder to introduce new services in the same or nearby frequencies.
In this two-part program, we will explore the practical and legal implications of wireless device receiver management in the United States. Join Laura Stefani, a partner in Venable’s Communications Practice, as she hosts a series of interactive discussions with industry leaders and Washington insiders on the latest developments and innovations impacting wireless technologies in our increasingly interconnected world.
Part 1: What Can Go Right?
Part 1 will examine the full extent of the FCC’s authority and how it could act (such as encouraging changes to receiver design) in ways that may positively impact the spectrum environment and provide for more efficient sharing of radio spectrum resources.
Speakers
Dean Brenner, Consultant and Chair, FCC Technological Advisory Council
Pierre de Vries, Director Emeritus, Spectrum Policy Initiative, Silicon Flatirons Center, University of Colorado Boulder
Laura Stefani, Partner, Venable LLP
Part 2: What Can Go Wrong?
Part 2 will consider the possible missteps and regulatory overreach that could impose undue burdens on the telecommunications industry.
Speakers
David Case, David A Case EMC Consulting LLC
Andrew Clegg, Spectrum Engineer Lead, Google LLC
Laura Stefani, Partner, Venable LLP