Filed under: Wireless

We knew they didn’t like it, and now they’re going out of their way to prove it. After FCC chairman Kevin Martin set forth a proposal to use the freed spectrum from the forthcoming 2009 digital TV transition for bringing mobile broadband to more locales, broadcasters who’d rather not deal with the trouble are stepping in with a collective “nuh uh!” Station owners and the four television networks filed an “emergency request” on Friday afternoon in hopes of convincing the FCC to hold off on its plan to vote on white space rules until “everyone had a chance to comment on the findings.” The report that’s mentioned found that no significant interference would come into play should the waves be opened up for unlicensed devices, but a spokeswoman for the National Association of Broadcasters stated that “the FCC is misinterpreting the actual data collected by their own engineers.” Whether or not NAB will get the 45-day grace period it’s asking for, however, remains to be seen.

[Via Mobile Tech Today, image courtesy of Orbitcast]

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Filed under: Wireless

Good news, folks — Kevin Martin believes that more mobile broadband is good for this nation. And we’re all about getting the WiFi to the people. Just as expected, the FCC chairman has voiced his support for using vacant airwaves from the looming 2009 digital TV transition to bring mobile broadband to more areas. According to Martin: “No one should ever underestimate the potential that new technologies and innovations may bring to society.” His proposal was issued ahead of an official report asserting that potential interference with existing infrastructure could be avoided if “technical safeguards” were put in place to prevent it. Sounds good from here, now go ‘head with your bad self, Mr. Martin.

[Image courtesy of TechLuver]

Read - Proposal
Read - Official interference report

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Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Just over a year ago, we were all making bitter beer faces at FCC chairman Kevin Martin for not going along with a delightful sounding “free internet” plan. Now, it seems the main man’s tune has changed. During a recent interview, Martin stated that there was a “social obligation in making sure everybody could participate in the next generation of broadband services because, increasingly, that’s what people want.” He’s reportedly looking to attach a free mobile broadband requirement to the AWS-3 spectrum that’s set to be auctioned next year, which would require the winner to allocate 25% for gratis access. ‘Course, we wouldn’t get our hopes us for this to actually go down like it surely is playing out in your mind just now, but we won’t fault you for dreamin’.

[Via phonescoop]

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Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

In a somewhat unsurprising move, the FCC has approved the merger of Sirius and XM after protracted — and incredibly boring — multi-year negotiations. The Federal Communication Commission decided tonight to allow a deal that will bring the two satellite radio providers together, creating a combined subscriber base of roughly 18 million users. The deal isn’t without catches, however, with the Commission stating that the companies must cap prices for three years following the merger, allow subscriber choice on content, and lower fees for channel packages. FCC head Kevin Martin seemed pleased with the final outcome, stating, “Consumers will get to enjoy the best of the programming on both services.” You know who wasn’t so stoked? Clear Channel.

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Filed under: Portable Audio

While the FCC hasn’t announced any decision, the Associated Press says that its chairman will recommend approval of the $5 billion merger between XM and Sirius. Kevin Martin does so, however, on the condition that the two satellite broadcasters freeze consumer prices for three years and turn over 24 channels (that’s 8% of their combined satellite capacity) to “noncommercial and minority programming.” The merged giant must also offer an “open radio standard” meant to create competition amongst radio manufacturers and an “a la carte” service that would allow customers to only pay for the channels they want as long as they purchase new radios. Speaking of those non-existent radios, the two claim that Interoperable radios capable of receiving both XM and Sirius broadcasts would be available “within one year.” With DoJ Antitrust approval out of the way, all that’s left now is to circulate Martin’s recommendation for final vote from the FCC’s four other commissioners — a vote on a merger which, as strange as it seems, was expressly prohibited by the FCC when it licensed the satellite radio industry back in 1997.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Gulp. FCC chairman Kevin Martin is prepping for a big ol’ congressional probe this morning. Martin received a letter today warning that he is being investigated for, “management practices that may adversely affect the Commission’s ability to both discharge effectively its statutory duties and to guard against waste, fraud, and abuse.” Martin, you’ll recall, was recently accused of being in Verizon’s back pocket during its attempt to revise the 700MHz open-access rule. The investigation is prompted by allegations made by “credible” FCC employees, both current and former, so far reaching — including its handling of Comcast and the so-called, 70-percent ruling — that Ars Technica expects it to turn the “FCC upside down.” Martin has two weeks to deliver “a truckload” of records to Congress before this revolution gets televised.

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Filed under: Cellphones, Misc. Gadgets

Prepare to feel your carrier-hate well from within. Remember Verizon Wireless’ lawsuit against the FCC claiming that the 700MHz open-access auction rule — the rule enabling the likes of Google, Apple, and others to take home a slice of the spectrum pie — “violates the US Constitution?” Well, according to “industry sources,” FCC chairman Kevin Martin is “aggressively pushing” for revisions to the 700MHz open-access rule in response to Verizon Wireless’ lobbying efforts. However, having been met with an internal FCC “backlash” last week, Martin is said to be preparing a “declaratory ruling” in an effort to fast-track support for VZW’s claim outside of the normal public-comment process. Insiders worry that Martin is caving to VZW pressure as the auction expected to generate some $15 billion in FCC fun-money draws near. Man, nothing says free market capitalism like a little protectionist bullying — “can we sue you now.”

[Via Phonescoop]

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