The Obama administration today took its turn in pushing the federal broadband agenda, putting forward plans to free up new wireless spectrum via auction. Mobile data services, with the help of the iPhone and other devices, are booming, and wireless operators are scrambling to build new 4G networks, even as they warn that they need more raw spectrum to meet future demand.
The White House outlined its plans to help:
Under the plan, the government would make 500 megahertz of new spectrum available over the next 10 years via public auction. More than half would come from the television-broadcast industry, with the rest of the frequencies freed up by the government itself.
The federal plan, however, could face large legal hurdles: Broadcasters have resisted calls to give up some of the spectrum they own. They probably would file suit if the government tries to force their hand.
Once spectrum is freed up, the FCC would auction off the airwaves — a process that could raise tens of billions of dollars for a debt-laden federal government and that continues a policy of putting bandwidth in private hands dating from the 1990s.
Connected Planet’s take,
Joan Engebretson:
This is the first time the White House has put a stamp of approval on an element of the National Broadband Plan, where the idea of freeing up 500 MHz of spectrum, including some from broadcasters, first came to light.
Wonder if it will weigh in on other thorny issues, such as Universal Service reform or a nationwide public safety network.
That’s our take on this. Let us know what you think in the comments section below:
Well Nmacy……
It looks like greed has gotten to them again. No new free frequencies for anyone. I guess only the big boys play in this arena. No entrepreneurs allowed.
George seems to have the correct answer, it is all about GREED. They want to sell the spectrum rather than allow the public that owns it to use it.
Again our national resources go to the highest bidder proving again that our government is the best that money can buy. It is NOT of, by and for the people. :-{
It’s about time the spectrum users start paying for the resource instead of buying congressmen and getting it for free. Good for entrepreneurs taxpayers & consumers, tough muffin for big broadcasters & other freeloaders.
Go ‘bama!
why shouldn\’t service providers pay for spectrum. i lost the thread there?
i believe the government offers free 700mhz spectrum for public safety in case anyone wants to build to it.
The government has no right to sell public airways, just like they cannot sell our constitution or declaration of independence.
The sale is null and void, it all over except the crying when the airwaves are confiscated after the sale.
:-}