US FCC chairman Julius Genachowski addressed the mobile industry at the CTIA trade show in San Diego, laying out his plans for the market. The chairman proposed a four-point 'Mobile Broadband Agenda'. The objectives include releasing more spectrum for broadband services, removing obstacles to mobile network deployment by easing rules on tower siting, developing the so-called 'net neutrality' rules for ensuring fair access to internet and improving consumer choice and competition in mobile services. Genachowski acknowledged a "spectrum gap" on the market, where the growth in usage of mobile data services is quickly outpacing the available radio frequencies. He pledged to work with the industry on re-allocating spectrum for mobile broadband, and encouraged market players to develop more efficient ways of using existing spectrum. On network roll-out, the chairman said the FCC will shortly move forward with a "shot-clock proposal designed to speed the process". It will also promote sharing of best practices, including potentially creating an online clearinghouse of best ideas on the FCC website. He also reassured the industry that the FCC will consider the differences in managing wired and wireless networks when it develops the new net neutrality rules. Finally on the recent consultations launched on competition issues, the chairman underlined the need for more transparency among mobile offers, to help consumers make informed choices.
