FCC Ignored WISP Role in Broadband Speeds Order, O'Rielly Says
A recent FCC order changing the definition of broadband from 4 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream to 25/3 Mbps ignores the big role played by wireless ISPs, FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly told the WISPAmerica 2015 conference in St. Louis…
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Tuesday, according to a transcript of his remarks released Wednesday. “I’m sure it came as a shock to many providers that the high-quality broadband services that their consumers know and love no longer qualify as real broadband service,” he said. “One small provider I spoke with talked about how frustrating it is to predict just how far the FCC will move its broadband goal post from year to year.” O'Rielly dissented to the order changing the FCC’s definition of broadband, approved at last month’s FCC meeting (see 1501290043). O’Rielly said it was a more positive note that the FCC has made real progress on getting more spectrum in play. “But we cannot rest on our laurels, more needs to be done,” he said. The explosion in wireless data “will require additional spectrum resources” beyond what is in the pipeline, he said. “Locating, repurposing and clearing spectrum takes time, so a long-term strategy is needed.”