Press Release
Free Press Praises NTIA Move to Free More Spectrum for Broadband Use
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration released a long-awaited report that explores options to repurpose some frequencies currently used by the government for wireless broadband use. In 2010, President Obama directed the NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission to work together and identify up to 500 MHz of additional spectrum that could be repurposed.
Most importantly, the report suggests the development of models for more efficient, shared use of a key spectrum block (at 1755-1850 MHz) that is well-suited for wireless broadband delivery. However, this block is heavily used by as many as 20 different federal agencies for an array of defense and satellite communications, and attempts to clear it and auction it off to wireless carriers would be an expensive, multibillion-dollar proposition. Today's report suggests the formation of a working group to promote shared use of this block of spectrum, allowing federal users, commercial carriers, technology companies and other innovators a chance to co-exist in the band by using new and dynamic technologies.
Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:
"We welcome NTIA's new and innovative approach and its commitment to making shared use of this spectrum a reality. There is a growing consensus that clearing this spectrum entirely and then auctioning it off to incumbent wireless carriers would be a complex and expensive task, and we are glad to see lawmakers, wireless industry players, technology companies and consumer advocates all coming together to make quicker, smarter and better use of this band by sharing it.
"Spectrum is crucial for the communications technologies of the 21st century. Opening this spectrum for innovative new uses in the near future will make for many more affordable and open wireless Internet options. We look forward to participating in the NTIA process focused on achieving this essential goal."
Most importantly, the report suggests the development of models for more efficient, shared use of a key spectrum block (at 1755-1850 MHz) that is well-suited for wireless broadband delivery. However, this block is heavily used by as many as 20 different federal agencies for an array of defense and satellite communications, and attempts to clear it and auction it off to wireless carriers would be an expensive, multibillion-dollar proposition. Today's report suggests the formation of a working group to promote shared use of this block of spectrum, allowing federal users, commercial carriers, technology companies and other innovators a chance to co-exist in the band by using new and dynamic technologies.
Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:
"We welcome NTIA's new and innovative approach and its commitment to making shared use of this spectrum a reality. There is a growing consensus that clearing this spectrum entirely and then auctioning it off to incumbent wireless carriers would be a complex and expensive task, and we are glad to see lawmakers, wireless industry players, technology companies and consumer advocates all coming together to make quicker, smarter and better use of this band by sharing it.
"Spectrum is crucial for the communications technologies of the 21st century. Opening this spectrum for innovative new uses in the near future will make for many more affordable and open wireless Internet options. We look forward to participating in the NTIA process focused on achieving this essential goal."
