Rysavy Research Says More Licensed Spectrum is Needed To Meet Demand

You’ve heard (and read) us talk about how the U.S. is the most efficient and effective commercial users of spectrum in the world.  We do more with less than anyone else.

But we are at a very important crossroads – and we must figure out how we are going to continue to encourage and foster innovation while recognizing that there is a finite amount of spectrum available.

We commissioned a report , conducted by Rysavy Research, which essentially laid out the current situation we are facing and what needs to happen now.  It also said that without more spectrum, all users will find themselves with a slower connection on wireless devices which will impact everything from text messaging to mobile broadband. The report  said it was vital that the conversation starts now because the 700 Mhz auction took a decade or so for a conclusion.

Both WIRED and New York Times bloggers wrote about the paper and both had an interesting take on what this means for the industry.

But my favorite line comes from Professor William Webb, Head of Research and Development, Ofcom (British communications regulator) who wrote the report's forward.  He said, "...it is also worth noting that while innovation occurs in commons it also happens in licensed bands, and indeed many of the most important innovations of the last decade such as GPS, wireless email, mobile TV, texting and more have all occurred in licensed spectrum."