Courtesy of EE Times May 05, 2004

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday (May 5) it is forming a wireless access task force to speed deployment of broadband services in the United States. The task force will review U.S. spectrum management policies and regulations and develop recommendations for stimulating the growth of wireless Internet service providers. The group also plans a series of public hearings beginning on May 19 and extending through August to gather industry comments. It plans to report its findings and recommendations to the FCC by October.

"I have asked this task force to study existing wireless broadband polices and make recommendations for possible improvements to promote the growth of both licensed and unlicensed wireless broadband services," said FCC Chairman Michael Powell. "The overarching goal of this initiative is to take a hard look at what we can do to extend the reach of broadband services to underserved areas and to provide increased competition in areas that already have access to broadband."

Creation of the task force follows several references by President George W. Bush to expanding broadband access during campaign appearances.

Industry lobbying groups have been pressuring the Bush administration to create policies that would encourage the spread of wireless technologies. They argue that greater access to broadband technologies will boost the U.S. economy.