Earthquake pits broadcasters against wireless

Never let an earthquake go to waste, especially when it happens in Washington.

After the temblor jammed cellphone networks for hours, the broadcast and wireless industries — longtime adversaries in Washington — are using the episode to try and advance long-sought policy goals, and bash one another. The wireless industry said the incident highlights the need to repurpose spectrum for mobile broadband use. Broadcasters say it shows that their technology is more reliable during a time of crisis. Firing their latest shot across the bow, the National Association of Broadcasters is brandishing favorable remarks that Federal Emergency Management Association Administrator Craig Fugate said.

(Aug 25)