FCC Seeks Input on Device Interoperability in Spectrum NPRM

According to sources inside and outside the Federal Communications Commission, the draft rulemaking proposal on spectrum incentive auctions seeks input on whether and how to put device interoperability conditions on the sale of reclaimed lower 700 MHz broadcast spectrum. The FCC put such conditions on auction of reclaimed upper 700 MHz spectrum reclaimed in the first DTV transition, which Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) pointed out in a Hill hearing on mobile apps led to the rise of Android. One source said the NPRM asks questions that address interoperability concerns, but that the goal is for the spectrum to be device-interoperable.