The Great Spectrum Debate

The Great Spectrum Debate

In June 2009, Congress finally ended the transition to digital television, clearing the way for using 108 Megahertz of frequencies -- formerly for broadcasting -- for wireless high-speed internet access.

In March 2010, the Federal Communications Commission released its National Broadband Plan, calling for 500 Megahertz of frequencies (in addition to those previously vacated) to be made available for broadband services. Broadcasters are likely to oppose this second television "transition." Is it a good idea? If so, what will it take to entice broadcasters to vacate these frequencies? And should newly-repurposed frequencies be made available under flexible-use licensing or under FCC rules for "white spaces" wireless sharing? We'll hear from a range of industry experts on this important topic, and the panel will be moderated by Amy Schatz, telecommunications reporter for The Wall Street Journal.

Telecommunications advocates, policy-makers, journalists, top officials and the general public, all seeking to trade insights on these important issues, are invited to attend this event of the Broadband Breakfast Club, which includes full American and Continental breakfasts, for as little as $45.00, plus a modest registration fee.

This event is on the record and open to the public. 

Event Details

Title: The Great Spectrum Debate

Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. 

Where: Clyde's of Gallery Place, 707 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

The breakfast begins at 8 a.m., followed by a discussion, beginning shortly after 8:30 a.m. and ending by 10 a.m.

Panelists:

* Marc Berejka, Senior Policy Advisor, Secretary's Office, US Department Commerce

Marc Berejka is policy advisor in the Secretary’s Office at the US Department of Commerce since July 2009.  He is responsible for identifying and employing policy levers to promote innovation. Currently, he focuses on strategic issues in the intellectual property, IT standards, broadband, privacy and cybersecurity realms.  Within Commerce, he works with the Patent & Trademark Office, the National Institute of Standards & Technology, and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration. Previously, Mr. Berejka worked for 12 years at Microsoft Corporation on a wide range of high-tech-related policy issues in various government affairs roles. His last role at Microsoft was as a senior policy director in the company’s Research & Strategy Office, where he managed policy initiatives on a global basis. Mr. Berejka initial career was as a telecommunications lawyer in Washington, D.C.  He holds a J.D. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Princeton University.

* John K. Hane, Counsel, Communications Practice Group, Pillsbury

John K. Hane began his career as a broadcaster and later served as an executive in several communications and media companies, including Highcast Network, Pegasus Communications, Lockheed Martin Telecommunications, New World Communications and NBC. Currently, he is counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, and represents businesses in wireless communications, satellite services, and digital video distribution. Hane assists clients with transactions, spectrum licensing, technology and content licensing and policy advocacy in support of new business ventures and nontraditional uses of spectrum. He patented three U.S. inventions, for wideband wireless digital video distribution, for terrestrial re-use of satellite spectrum, and for a low-data-rate satellite security system.

* Thomas W. Hazlett, Professor, Law and Economics, George Mason University; Director, Information Economy Project

Thomas W. Hazlett is Professor of Law & Economics and serves as Director of the Information Economy Project at George Mason University School of Law. The project investigates how the Information Economy is central to the health of the global economy, invokes fundamental free speech issues, and determines how our basic social and economic institutions are shaped. Dr. Hazlett is also a Columnist for the New Technology Policy Forum hosted by the Financial Times. Previously, he held faculty appointments at the University of California at Davis, Columbia University, and the Wharton School, and in 1991-92 served as Chief Economist of the Federal Communications Commission.

* Thomas Stroup, CEO, Shared Spectrum Company

Thomas Stroup has more than 25 years of experience in the wireless and technology industries. In addition to building and running several companies, he helped the nascent wireless industry win the reallocation of spectrum for new Personal Communications Services. Stroup currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Shared Spectrum Company, the leading developer of spectrum-sensing cognitive radio technology. Stroup is also co-founder and CEO of CSM Wireless, a wireless licensee in several markets. He also co-founded SquareLoop, Inc., was President/CEO of P-Com Network Services, Founder/CEO of Columbia Spectrum Management and President of the Personal Communications Industry Association.

The event is hosted by Drew Clark, Chairman and Publisher of BroadbandBreakfast.com, and moderated by Amy Schatz, Telecommunications Reporter for The Wall Street Journal. Join the conversation for an engaging and in-depth examination of broadband - one of the most vital topics of our day.

To register for this event or to register for future Broadband Breakfast Club events click here.

The Broadband Breakfast Club is a "widely attended event" under House of Representatives Rule 25, clause 5(a)(4)(A).

PLEASE NOTE: The Broadband Breakfast Club has moved to Clyde's of Gallery Place, at 707 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, conveniently located adjacent to the Gallery Place Metro Station on the Red Line.

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For individuals outside of Washington, or those whose schedule doesn’t permit attendance in person, archived webcasts of the Broadband Breakfast Club are available for free on BroadbandBreakfast.com.

The Broadband Breakfast Club seeks sponsorship of our events from interested companies and organizations. We especially encourage organizations to sponsor a package of multiple events — such as one of our upcoming topical series. For details on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sylvia Syracuse at 646-262-4630 or sylvia@broadbandcensus.com. The Broadband Breakfast Club is produced by Broadband Census News LLC.

The Broadband Breakfast Club is Sponsored by:

International Broadband Electric Communications, Inc.