Congressional Seminar Panel to Discuss M2Z Spectrum Application
WASHINGTON D.C. - Last week, the Federal Communications Commission announced it had accepted the M2Z Networks application for filing. In return for use of the spectrum, M2Z Networks is offering to provide certain public services, including free wireless broadband access to 95 percent of the U.S. population within ten years. Is such a proposal likely to be an efficient way of increasing U.S. broadband penetration, or will it undermine the now-accepted method of allocating spectrum by auction? The Progress & Freedom Foundation is hosting "Allocating the Electromagnetic Spectrum: A Discussion of the M2Z Proposal," a luncheon event to debate these issues on Friday, February 16th. The discussion panel has been finalized.
The panel will be moderated by Thomas Lenard, PFF Senior Fellow and Senior Vice President for Research. Joining him in the discussion will be two panelists representing parties who will be directly affected by the outcome of the M2Z application. John Muleta is the Founder and CEO of M2Z Networks and has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors dealing with communications regulation and technology. Muleta previously served as head of the Federal Communications Commission's Wireless telecommunications Bureau. Chris Guttman-McCabe, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at CTIA - The Wireless Association, is responsible for managing regulatory issues affecting association members from the wireless industry. Guttman-McCabe also previously worked in communications law, where he advised clients on issues affected the wireless industry.
Guttman-McCabe and Muleta will be joined by two distinguished experts on telecommunications and general economic and technology policy. Robert D. Atkinson, President of Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, has conducted extensive research on all aspects of technology policy and serves on various boards and advisory councils. Lawrence J. White, Arthur E. Imperatore Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies and Deputy Chair of Economics at New York University, is an expert in various aspects of regulation, including antitrust and networked industries. White previously served as Chief Economist of the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Lenard and White are also co-chairs of the Digital Age Communications Project Spectrum Working Group.
"Allocating the Electromagnetic Spectrum: A Discussion of the M2Z Proposal," will be held Friday, February 16th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm in Room 2105 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Lunch will be served. Those interested in attending can register here. Media queries should be directed to Amy Smorodin at 202-289-8928 or asmorodin@pff.org. Others should contact Eileen Goulding at 202-289-8928 or egoulding@pff.org.
The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.
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