Gov and Biz Can Co-Exist Wisely And Well. US Policy Should Demonstrate This.

A fortnight ago I highlighted an inter-businesses solution that was achieved nigh entirely without D.C. involvement.

The airline and cell phone industries <gasp> sat down with each other and <GASP> reached mutually beneficial solutions to problems that arise because they both utilize wireless spectrum.

They did so with almost no D.C. involvement. Very little government. And very little utilization of D.C.’s Lobby Industrial Complex.

I wish for a world where very little utilization of D.C.’s Lobby Industrial Complex is routine. But I’m a dreamer — not a delusion-ist.

I am a realist. Which means I understand that there are times when government has to be involved in what the private sector wants to do.

So let’s do it wisely, shall we?

We need public-private relationships that deliver better results for We the People and the country.

Rather than what far too often actually happens: Public-private relationships that deliver optimal crony results only for those inside that cozy little circle. At the exorbitant expense of all the rest of us.

South Korea recently delivered for us a (just about) perfect visual aide of how to properly strike that elusive balance.

Government, Three Carriers Step Up Next-Generation Network Investment Push, Revamp Regulation:

“The government and the country’s three mobile carriers discussed expanding investment in next-generation telecom networks for the AI era. They also reviewed preparations to commercialise 5G standalone mode (SA) planned for the end of this year.”

“The Ministry of Science and ICT on Wednesday held a launch meeting in Seoul for a public-private consultative body to promote telecom network investment in the AI era with SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus. The consultative body is a follow-up step to a meeting in July between the ministry’s deputy prime minister and the chief executives of the three carriers.”

(Did you catch that? There are only three wireless companies in all of SoKo. The U.S. has about 30 facilities-based providers.  Plus more than 50 virtual operators — leasing capacity from the 30. How’s that for a dynamic marketplace?)

I don’t think we need a South Korea-style official “public-private consultative body.” But I think it’s outstanding that South Korea’s government and private carriers are working together to advance the ball for their people and country.

Thankfully, that (very occasionally) happens here too.  It has in the U.S.’ push to advance wireless.