Blog | News & Information on Wireless Services & Telecommunications

NTIA Report on Underutilized Government Spectrum

Posted: 03/27/12 by Mobile Future Team

Making progress on a 2010 Executive Order, Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution, NTIA today released a report outlining a transition plan to reallocate underutilized government spectrum for commercial mobile broadband use.

Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter responded to the report, stating:

“With more wireless connections than people in our country and North American wireless networks running at 80% of capacity, it is imperative more mobile spectrum be brought online quickly so American consumers retain the level of wireless connectivity they expect and demand. Freeing up underutilized government spectrum will help mitigate the spectrum crunch that could soon stall the vibrant wireless ecosystem fueling our 21^st century economy.

NTIA's new report is a good step in this urgent effort to serve the growing mobile needs of American consumers, and to avoid the looming spectrum crisis. We commend NTIA for its efforts and look forward to working with the Administration in the months ahead to repurpose government spectrum to the best and highest use for American consumers and the economy as swiftly as possible. To maintain the nation’s global leadership in mobile innovation and opportunity, there is no time to waste.”

To read the full statement, go here.

NTIA Releases Spectrum Reports

Posted: 11/15/10 by Mobile Future Team

Today, NTIA released two reports – Plan and Timetable to Make Available 500 Megahertz of Spectrum for Wireless Broadband and An Assessment of the Near-Term Viability of Accommodating Wireless Broadband Systems – identifying federal spectrum in both the near future and long-term that could be used to meet President Obama’s 10-year goal of making available 500 MHz of new spectrum for wireless broadband. As the looming spectrum crunch grows closer, additional spectrum will allow innovation to continue and technologies in industries ranging from healthcare to education to grow.

In conjunction with the release of the highly anticipated spectrum reports, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and NTIA President Larry Strickling jointly penned an opinion piece in today’s WSJ focusing on the Administration’s goal of doubling the amount of commercial spectrum available over the next 10 years and calling for legislative action to encourage voluntary incentive auctions by private-sector spectrum holders.

From the article:

"The president's spectrum initiative not only presents a unique opportunity to catalyze innovation and investment, but is part of our overall strategy for sustainable economic growth and national competitiveness. Today's actions are important steps towards more efficient and effective government use of spectrum."

Responding to NTIA’s reports, Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter applauded the efforts of Locke, Strickling, and the organization at large and called for continued action to ensure we can sustain the frenetic pace of wireless innovation, stating:

“Mobile technology holds tremendous potential to connect consumers, create new jobs and stimulate our economy…While these recommendations are an important first step, much more work will need to be done to meet the looming spectrum crunch. The innovation, investment and competition that define the vibrant and ever-expanding wireless sector are absolutely dependent on access to significantly more spectrum.”

To read the full statement, click here.