Michael Powell is interviewed by Jonathan Krim.

Powell: We are looking at a radical reframing of spectrum. I’ve always been a big fan of open spectrum. But there’s very little spectrum left to give out. [That is, he’s a fan of opening spectrum, not of Open Spectrum in the sense of unlicensing spectrum and letting smart/cognitive radios negotiate frequencies.] And it requires coordinating with many many agencies: DoD, Dept. of Transportation, etc.

Q: Would Net neutrality matter if there were more competition?

A: I’m not happy with there being so few competitors. I’d like to see gov’t dedicate more of its energy to developing alternative platforms. Multi-platform competition is the key. If we’re going to get the Star Trek world I dream about in which you flip open your device and you’re connected to the world’s information, you need at least three ways of connecting. Anti-trust lawyers like me believe magic things happen at three.

Q: Will three come quickly enough?
A: In the history of infrastructure deployment, it’s pretty darn quick. You’re right to be impatient, but remember that infrastructure is a construction project. And I’m proud that this country is pursuing a multi-platform strategy rather than building up a single platform in order to get faster penetration. We should stop talking about tech as a utility; tech policy is education policy, is social welfare policy, etc.

Powell: It’s a mistake to rely on the government to maintain Net neutrality. The legislators have a very shallow understanding of the tech. Let the weight of inertia be on your side. Don’t play their game.

Q: Should gov’ts be prohibited from launching muni wifi?
A: No.

Q: Is it fair for consumers to think of the Internet as a public place?
A: As long as there are producers chasing value for consumers in order to make a profit, it will be a private enterprise system. “The Tennessee Valley program for broadband is not coming.”

Q: (Isenberg) At the FCC, you did at least 3 great things, one of which survives: You created a more technologically literate commission. That survives. Then you initiated the spectrum policy re-thinking, which stopped when you left. Third, you articulated the four Internet freedoms which the current restatement significantly waters down.
A: You rarely make linear progress in policy.

A: Maybe we need a secretary of technology….

Q: Does the common carrier model work for where we’re headed?
A: I loathe the common carrier model. The queen grants you exclusive use of her land if in return you serve the people. It’s cumbersome and stymies innovation. I’m not sure I want the model for the Internet to be 16-gauge rails for Northern Pacific or ferries across the Thames. [Tags: f2c michael_powell]

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