Final answer:
The FCC regulates communications in the U.S., overseeing spectrum auctions such as the 700 MHz band sought by AT&T. It issues licenses to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently and in the public interest. The FCC's mission and purpose guide its oversight and modernization of communications regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government, which was established by the Communications Act of 1934. Its primary mission is to regulate interstate and international communications via radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC is responsible for managing the airwaves, which are considered a public resource, and hence requires businesses like AT&T to obtain licenses to utilize specific frequency bands such as the 700 MHz spectrum.
The FCC's regulatory activities include issuing licenses based on the "public interest, convenience, or necessity," a principle that helps ensure the efficient and equitable use of the spectrum. As AT&T seeks additional rights within the 700 MHz band, it must engage in spectrum auctions overseen by the FCC, which are designed to allocate spectrum for wireless communication in a competitive manner. The FCC’s goals, focused on areas such as broadband, competition, the spectrum, the media, public safety, and homeland security, drive its oversight and policies.
In the context of these regulatory functions, the FCC enacts rules and regulations that govern wireless spectrum auctions. This ensures that the spectrum is used effectively to serve various aspects of national interest, including economic growth, technological innovation, and public safety. As part of its modernization efforts, the FCC continuously updates these regulations to adapt to the evolving landscape of communications technology.