FCC Must Choose Between Many or Few with Spectrum Rule Change

A proposed rule change before the Federal Communications Commission for spectrum licenses in the 3.5 GHz band presents a clear choice between the needs of the few and the needs of the many—though with some complications.  The FCC is on the cusp of making a decision about a spectrum auction that has pitted the nation’s largest wireless carriers against a broad and eclectic coalition of shippers, railroads, ports, electric companies, manufacturers, and rural internet service providers. Stakeholders in the long-running debate over this rule change have now presented the commission with their compromise proposals and several interested parties say they expect a decision soon.