Coming soon? An FCC that handles only radio spectrum?

Then, in the early spring of 2015, the five commissioners voted 3-2 to classify the internet as a utility, rather than an information service, subject to Title II regulations, also written in the 1930s.
Physical utilities in telecom are further regulated by state utility commissions. Combined with the FCC, these rules dictate when, where, and how much service will be provided for things like plain old telephone service, TV broadcasts, or now, internet connectivity.
Even then, Jameson argues, spectrum space is being squandered due to dampened investment (as evidenced by lackluster bidding in the current 600MHz auction), prompting his question in an October blog post, “Do we need the FCC?”
Any legitimate universal service concerns could be handled by others: States can subsidize network access as they see fit, the Department of Health and Human Services can incorporate telecommunications and Internet into its assistance to low-income households, and the FTC [Federal Trade Commission] and states can handle consumer protection and ex post regulation. A much smaller independent agency could be created to license radio spectrum, where a spectrum license would be a property right for use and not about content. (The license holder could lease its space to others or use it itself for content or other services.)
Thus, at the end of the day, we don’t need the FCC, but we still need an independent agency.
Thus, at the end of the day, we don’t need the FCC, but we still need an independent agency.
source: Ars Technica
