Emerging Communications Technologies: Wireless Developments and Beyond

One of the most perplexing challenges the FCC faces amidst today’s era of rapid technological changes is how to regulate emerging communications technologies. On the front end, the question for the FCC is how to encourage innovation and the development of new technologies. This question, in short, motivates much of the FCC’s recent efforts to encourage wireless technological advances and broadband deployment. On the back end, the question involves whether and when the FCC should impose legacy regulatory requirements – such as those involving universal service, privacy, or emergency 911 service capabilities – on new technologies, such as Voice Over Internet Protocol. In her talk, Commissioner Abernathy will offer her thoughts on many of these and similar issues as well as welcome reactions and questions from those in attendance.