If I had one wish, it would be for more radio spectrum. Maybe a few parallel spectra, with a channel selection knob. But since this isn't going to be even remotely possible until after the next Big Bang, I applaud the FCC's recent decision to allow the leasing of licensed spectrum by those who (over)paid big bucks for it. Note here that I still think that the spectrum auctions were a boneheaded idea that saddled the carriers with a stinky albatross that is at least partly to blame for the sorry state of the carriers and the services they provide today. The auctions were nothing more than a thinly veiled tax that you and I get to pay in the form of higher monthly cell phone bills.

Exclusive allocations also tend to result in wasted spectrum-a perishable commodity that can sit idle when loads are light (yes, it still happens, even on cellular). So what the FCC has decided to do is to allow those who own spectrum to lease it, on a dynamic basis if desired, to others, with significant flexibility and minimal bureaucracy.

'Spot' spectrum market

So, suppose Verizon Wireless has excess capacity in certain territories and AT&T Wireless faces the opposite reality. The two could enter into a licensing agreement to allow AT&T to use Verizon frequencies, perhaps on a short-term basis, to handle its load. This could even create a "spot market" in spectrum, allowing carriers to solve their problems perhaps even moment by moment. Fewer dropped calls and system busy lights? It's possible. Note that no technical issues exist-AT&T would simply reprogram its basestations and handsets to use the leased spectrum. Everyone goes home happy, and the financial opportunities for the carriers should improve their lot in life without placing too much of a burden on us poor subscribers who, again, ultimately pay the bills.

There are still a few details to be worked out, and given the pioneering nature of this step, one can expect a few regulatory corrections. However, it's a great start. When software-defined radio becomes common, this really gets exciting.

This is not to say that the FCC will always get it right henceforth. The new media ownership rules, for example, are a truly bad idea. Local-number portability is still a mess. But, hey, this is politics, not engineering. At least for now.

Craig J. Mathias is principal of the Farpoint Group (Ashland, Mass.).

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