<html>
<body>
<br><br>
FYI<br><br>
<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Subject: [WISPA Announcements]
WISP CALL TO ACTION <br>
Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:53:56 -0400 <br>
From: Rick Harnish
<a href="mailto:rharnish@wispa.org"><rharnish@wispa.org></a> <br>
To:
<a href="mailto:announcements@wispa.org">
<announcements@wispa.org></a>,
<a href="mailto:users@wug.cc"><users@wug.cc></a>,
<a href="mailto:motorola@afmug.com"><motorola@afmug.com></a>
<br><br>
<br>
I am sending this out on behalf of the WISPA Team. Please read this
in its entirety.<br>
<br>
WISPs and Interested Parties,<br>
<br>
Earlier this week the Majority staff (Republican) of the House
Subcommittee on Communications & Technology released a 55-page
discussion draft of legislation that would, if adopted, <b>create serious
problems for the future of unlicensed use and the WISP industry as we
know it.</b> Please read this entire email, but know that you are
being asked to call and/or write your Representative NEXT WEEK to help
save affordable fixed wireless broadband services for the constituents
they serve. <b>We have attached TALKING POINTS</b> that you can
use, but its important for you to have background and context so that you
are well informed on how to present your case.<br>
<br>
<b>BACKGROUND:<br>
</b>As written, Section 104 of the draft Minority staff bill (beginning
on page 25) would require all new unlicensed spectrum to be purchased
through FCC auctions where prospective unlicensed bidders would compete
with prospective licensed users. The unlicensed users would get the
spectrum if the aggregate of their bids exceeded the high bid made by the
prospective licensed user. In other words, if 85 WISPs bid on
spectrum at an auction and won, they would have to pay their bid, the
spectrum would be unlicensed, and then ANYONE could use the spectrum for
unlicensed, including free riders. Unlicensed use would be
coordinated via database. Presumably, unlicensed users could
include broadband devices, baby monitors, RFID tags and a whole host of
consumer devices. Its not hard to see why this is a destructive
model that would foreclose participation by WISPs in the process if they
had to compete in a "telethon" auction with companies like
AT&T and Verizon and then, if successful, have to coordinate the
millions of devices that could operate in the band.<br>
<br>
Yesterday, in response, the Minority staff (Democrat) of the Subcommittee
released a separate 130-page discussion draft bill that would, if
adopted, be much, much better for WISPA members than the Republican
version. The Minority staff draft would require the first 84 MHz of
white space to be auctioned following re-packing of the TV broadcast
stations, and would leave it to the FCC to determine whether to auction
or not the remaining spectrum. Other than some specific bands that
have been targeted for mobile interests, any remaining spectrum could be
made available by either auction or as unlicensed, at the FCC's
discretion. This is similar to S.911, the Senate spectrum reform
bill (also known as the Rockefeller-Hutchison bill). Obviously,
this is a much better approach -- still not a separate set-aside for
unlicensed, but that's something we can try for at the FCC . . . and we
will. Attached are copies of the two discussion drafts if you'd
like to read the specific text and/or read other provisions of the drafts
related to public safety, other spectrum bands, etc. <br>
<br>
Here is a link to a list of the full Committee members:
<a href="http://energycommerce.house.gov/about/members.shtml">
http://energycommerce.house.gov/about/members.shtml</a><br>
Here is a link to a list of the Subcommittee members, with contact
information:
<a href="http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/cgi-bin/newcommittee.cgi?site=congressmerge&lang=&commcode=hcommerce_tech">
http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/cgi-bin/newcommittee.cgi?site=congressmerge&lang=&commcode=hcommerce_tech</a>
<br>
<br>
<b>WISPA'S INVOLVEMENT:<br>
</b>WISPA has been actively engaged in the process all week. On
Wednesday morning, along with other members of the Wireless Innovation
Alliance (WIA), I met with the Minority staff to exchange ideas and
perspectives on the Majority version, in advance of the release of the
Minority draft. It was emphasized to us that the Majority draft is
focused almost entirely on short-term revenue-generation, not long-term
benefits such as economic growth, small business support, job creation
and all of the other benefits broadband can bring. Accordingly, our
focus in dealing with Republicans discredits the revenue model (more
later). At the meeting, I stressed the need for unlicensed spectrum
and the need to eliminate auction costs as a significant barrier to
entry. Later on Wednesday, I attended a WIA strategy session.
Along with other members of the WIA coalition, WISPA is working to lobby
other organizations, associations and companies to oppose the Majority
draft. As I've said, there's something in there for everyone to
hate, so opposition will be strong.<br>
<br>
Yesterday, WISPA sent a letter to each one of the Subcommittee members
voicing strong opposition to the Majority discussion draft. This
clearly states WISPA's reasons for opposing the bill. Note there is
language challenging the revenue model and language addressing the public
interest benefits of unlicensed spectrum -- something for both
Republicans and Democrats to relate to. A copy of this letter is
attached. WISPA also issued a press release highlighting these
points.<br>
<br>
Unlike the other members of the WIA, which consists of Google, Microsoft,
think tanks, public interest groups and other associations, WISPA can
bring its vast membership of 500 WISPs, vendors and others to get the
word out. That can be a tremendous benefit to our cause.
<br>
<br>
<b>HOUSE HEARING:<br>
</b>This morning, the Subcommittee held hearings on the discussion
drafts. Importantly, both parties stressed a desire to adopt a
bipartisan bill that would capture the best elements of each. You
will enjoy reading the attached testimony of Michael Calabrese of the New
America Foundation, who spoke on behalf of WIA. This is a terrific
statement that speaks about the benefits that unlicensed devices have
brought to American society and the contributions that WISPA and WISPs
are making as well. The testimony also discredits the economic
model behind the licensed/unlicensed auction envisioned by Section 104 of
the Majority draft. This is must reading for anyone wanting a
deeper understanding of the issues and the ways to oppose the Majority
position. WISPA provided Michael with some of the information used
in his written testimony.<br>
<br>
<b>HOW YOU CAN HELP:<br>
</b>In addition to the attached documents, WISPA's Legislative Committee
has developed a set of TALKING POINTS, which are attached. These
are intended to be guidelines for discussions you will have or letters
you will send to your Representative. Generally, you will want to
introduce yourself and your company and then, depending on whether the
Representative is a Republican of Democrat, make the relevant
points. <b>We ask that you do this NEXT WEEK (week of July 18) to
create maximum impact.</b> As follow-up, schedule visits with your
Representatives when they are back home for August recess (assuming that
happens) -- maybe they'd like to tour your facilities.<br>
<br>
Once you've made your pitch, please post a message to the WISPA members
list so that we can all learn from your experience. Developing
contacts in your Representative's offices is not just a short-term plus,
but will give you a base for future communications.<br>
<br>
WISPA will continue to work the issues and will keep you informed as this
develops.<br>
<br>
<b>FINALLY, A WORD OF THANKS:<br>
</b>You, the members, should be proud of the leadership that your Board,
the Legislative committee, FCC Committee and the Promotions Committee
have demonstrated as we address this critical issue. Its now up to
you to pick up the ball and carry forward the positive momentum we are
building. We are in this, together, for the long haul, and your
participation will never be more appreciated, and required, than it is
now.<br>
<br>
Stephen E. Coran<br>
Rini Coran, PC<br>
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600 <br>
Washington, D.C. 20036<br>
202.463.4310 - voice<br>
202.669.3288 - cell<br>
202.296.2014 - fax<br>
<a href="mailto:scoran@rinicoran.com">scoran@rinicoran.com</a> -
e-mail<br>
<a href="http://www.telecommediatechlaw.com/">
www.telecommediatechlaw.com</a> - blog<br>
@stevecoran - twitter<br>
<a href="http://www.rinicoran.com/">www.rinicoran.com</a><br>
<a href="http://www.telecommunicationslaw.com/" eudora="autourl">
www.telecommunicationslaw.com</a><br>
<a name="OLE_LINK2"></a> <br>
<a name="OLE_LINK1"></a>CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This e-mail and any
attachments are confidential and may be protected by legal
privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any
disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of this e-mail or any
attachment is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in
error, please notify us immediately by returning it to the sender and
deleting or destroying the e-mail and any attachments without retaining
any copies. Thank you for your cooperation.<br>
<br>
IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements
imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in
this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written
to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties
under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or
recommending to another party any matter addressed herein.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Respectfully,<br>
<b> <br>
Rick Harnish<br>
</b>Executive Director<br>
WISPA<br>
260-307-4000 cell<br>
866-317-2851 Option 2 WISPA Office<br>
Skype: rick.harnish.<br>
<a href="mailto:rharnish@wispa.org">rharnish@wispa.org</a><br>
<br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
No virus found in this message.<br>
Checked by AVG - <a href="http://www.avg.com">www.avg.com</a><br>
Version: 10.0.1390 / Virus Database: 1516/3765 - Release Date:
07/14/11</blockquote></body>
</html>