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With the Presidential Inauguration around the corner, I wanted to take some time to talk about how the new administration may change things in the wireless world. By now, we all know that President-elect Barack Obama is a strong advocate of technology, proven by his desire to keep his BlackBerry when he takes office and his plan to hire a U.S. CTO.
In addition, Obama’s support of broadband proliferation in the country is also no secret. In December, Obama noted, “It is unacceptable that the United States ranks 15th in the world in broadband adoption. Here, in the country that invented the Internet, every child should have the chance to get online.”
Since then, talk of a “New Deal” for broadband and possible stimulus has been kicked around the media. I think this concept is a great one that could really drive innovation and the proliferation of new technologies (including 4G, of course.) In her predications for 2009, FierceWireless’ Lynnette Luna made a great point: “We’ve been talking about bridging the digital divide forever and now it appears we are close to finding a regulatory way to make it happen.” No doubt this project will be a main focus for the U.S. CTO, whoever ends up taking the position.
Also important to the wireless space is Obama’s expected pick for FCC Chairman, Julius Genachowski. Over the two years we have seen some very aggressive and powerful moves from the FCC – the auctioning of the 700 MHz spectrum and decision to open the white space, in particular – that will have an important and lasting affect on the wireless community, especially the broadband market. According to the Austin-American Statesmen, “Genachowski helped craft many of Obama’s telecom and technology policies during the campaign. The two men have been friends since their days at Harvard Law School.”
I think having a like-minded President and FCC Chairmen that are both dedicated to advancing this country’s technology will do wonders for the wireless market and help bring us to the top of the world’s technology market.
What do you think about Obama’s support of broadband? Are there any other technologies you think he and his administration should focus on?
Thanks,
Jeff
PS – you might have noticed our team at Towerstream has made a few videos over the past year to talk about our service while having some fun. Check out the latest – a look at Towerstream’s customer service team, hosted by customer service reps “Tower” and “Stream.” http://towerstream.com/index.asp?ref=videos
2 Comments
Hi Jeff,
I was wondering if you had any ideas on how Obama’s plans to ratchet up our low ranking in broadband over the next few years will unfold. Who will you be watching in Washington to gauge the progress? Also, how in the world is the Senate going to be educated so they can even vote on something like this?
Thanks,
Sue O
Middletown, RI
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your question.
Right now, the U.S. is only behind in broadband rankings because of our lack of connectivity in rural areas. I think the best way to get broadband out to these areas is to give tax breaks and incentives to the service providers. This will give these service providers access to the capital needed to build the infrastructure.
I think the folks to watch here will actually be the service providers that may be building these networks and delivering the service. In terms of education, I think it’s up to leaders in the wireless industry to make sure our representatives in Washington understand the importance of broadband proliferation for the entire country.
Thanks,
Jeff