More Spectrum Needed for Ever-Growing Wireless Broadband Services

As you’ve heard us say a million times, spectrum is our industry’s backbone and is pivotal to providing Americans with access to broadband per the National Broadband Plan.  
 
In our spectrum reply comment filing  last week to the FCC, we described the numerous supporters who agree with our request for additional spectrum for licensed commercial mobile wireless broadband services. These on-the-record supporters include the FCC Chairman Genachowski, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). 

We also detailed the extensive evidence that proves the current spectrum allocations are insufficient to meet the insatiable consumer demand for wireless broadband service. 

CTIA encourages policymakers to focus its efforts on spectrum that is:

• Between 400 MHz and 3 GHz
• Available in large, contiguous blocks
• Adjacent to current spectrum allocations 
• Internationally harmonized

In addition, we presented a detailed record of support for a continuation of spectrum policies based on an exclusive-use, flexible rights licensing model that allows the market and consumers, not regulators, to determine the highest and best use of the spectrum. 

Finally, we outlined the broad support for a comprehensive spectrum inventory, focusing on Federal and non-Federal spectrum resources. We’ve identified the following areas for the FCC that are ripe for reallocation:

• Broadcast spectrum 
• Spectrum below 3 GHz that is currently allocated for fixed wireless use
• Spectrum allocated to U.S. satellite providers

For these reasons, policymakers should act quickly to identify and allocate a significant amount of additional spectrum for licensed commercial wireless use. Such an allocation will be an important step towards meeting the rapidly accelerating demand for mobile wireless broadband services and maintaining a competitive and innovative wireless ecosystem.