Coalition Supports DTV Transition

In remarks to today’s FCC’s Spectrum Summit, First Response Coalition (FRC) executive Steven Jones took the unusual position of supporting none of the 700 MHz band auction alternative proposals, and urged the Commission to continue with the auction as originally planned. “We simply do not know whether Frontline or any other new model will work,” Jones said. “I support innovation and ‘outside the box’ thinking, but there is little in the Frontline proposal as filed that explains how the model would unfold in reality, how the financing would be generated, or how the proposal would be supported commercially.” The FRC proports to represent the first responder community, and claims broad public safety support. However, it operates as a political lobbying organization, focused on spectrum issues, and with significant financial support from Verizon Wireless. Read Jones’ full remarks here.