US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Julius Genachowski proposed a four-point ‘Mobile Broadband Agenda’ at the CTIA trade show in San Diego yesterday. Telecompaper reports that 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 services, and improving consumer choice and competition in mobile services. 

The article notes that Genachowski acknowledged a “spectrum gap” in the US market, where the growth in usage of mobile data services is quickly outpacing the available radio frequencies. “I believe that that the biggest threat to the future of mobile in America is the looming spectrum crisis,” Reuters earlier cited him as stating. Genachowski 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, Telecompaper noted that the chairman underlined the need for more transparency among mobile offers, to help consumers make informed choices.