1) They are assuming the switchover will actually happen. From the speed that the broadcasters are moving to give up the analog spectrum this might happen sometime in the next decade.
2) Auctions just seem silly. This forces those who bid on it to be looking to put the most profitable service on it possible, not the best for the country at large.
Why not change the process to a RFP? Take bids and award the spectrum based on the most beneficial use of the spectrum for the general public. By auctioning it off you end up requiring that whatever go there be a pay service. So the govt get another 15 billion to pay off a little debt and my taxes go down by a few dollars a year so I can pay $30/month to Veri-comi-warner for watered down internet service and/or another 300 advertising supported TV channels.
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1) They are assuming the switchover will actually happen. From the speed that the broadcasters are moving to give up the analog spectrum this might happen sometime in the next decade.
2) Auctions just seem silly. This forces those who bid on it to be looking to put the most profitable service on it possible, not the best for the country at large.
Why not change the process to a RFP? Take bids and award the spectrum based on the most beneficial use of the spectrum for the general public. By auctioning it off you end up requiring that whatever go there be a pay service. So the govt get another 15 billion to pay off a little debt and my taxes go down by a few dollars a year so I can pay $30/month to Veri-comi-warner for watered down internet service and/or another 300 advertising supported TV channels.