FCC Targets First Spectrum Incentive Auction

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski circulated a proposal to his fellow commissioners regarding the first incentive auction aimed at freeing up significant spectrum for mobile broadband.

Genachowski said his proposal would also free up a significant amount of unlicensed spectrum for innovative WiFi-like uses, and create the first uniform, national low-band unlicensed spectrum in any country.

“As smartphones and tablets proliferate, the opportunities to benefit consumers and businesses become clearer every day. In freeing up licensed and unlicensed spectrum for wireless broadband, incentive auctions will drive faster speeds, greater capacity, and ubiquitous mobile coverage. The mobile experience for millions of consumers and small business owners will improve as a result of successful incentive auctions. These are essential ingredients for innovation and leadership in the 21st century economy where smartphones and tablets powered by 4G LTE and Wi-Fi networks are proliferating, and the mobile Internet becomes more important every day. Over the last few years, the U.S. has regained global leadership in mobile innovation – and we must not let up now," stated FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

A vote on the proposal is expected on September 28.

http://www.fcc.gov