Competitive Carriers Association: Business Data Reform Is Key to Internet of Things

Wireless carriers want the Obama Administration to make sure the Federal Communications Commission "moves quickly" on business data services reform, arguing it is one key to promoting the Internet of Things. The Competitive Carriers Association, which represents mobile wireless carriers, says that the FCC's new approach to business data services, one strongly opposed by cable Internet service providers, as well as the spectrum auction, about which broadcasters have mixed feelings, are both key to the growth of the Internet of Things.

That came in comments to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), which in April put out a request for comment looking for answers to "questions posed by the growth of the Internet of Things (IOT)." CCA says the auction is important for the spectrum the FCC has reserved for nondominant carrier bidders in the forward portion of the auction and because it is in sufficiently bite-sized chunks to be attainable. "[T]he Incentive Auction represents a unique opportunity for carriers to claim 'greenfield' spectrum with ideal propagation capabilities," it told NTIA. "Without smaller geographic license sizes and reserved spectrum to prevent excessive spectrum aggregation by the largest carriers, it would be difficult for many carriers to compete with the vast resources of the two largest carriers." It recommends taking the same approach—spectrum reserves, smaller licenses—in any future auctions.