Description

A publication of The Progress & Freedom Foundation (www.PFF.org) by Adam Thierer & Barbara Esbin. Thierer and Esbin discuss a recent proposal by an FCC official to reallocate a significant portion of the broadcast TV spectrum to alternative uses, namely, for mobile broadband uses. The authors argue that the FCC should make the broadcasters a deal they can't refuse and ensure that they come to the bargaining table voluntarily to discuss how spectrum reallocation might work.

If it could be done correctly, the benefits of such a deal could be enormous for wireless broadband providers, developers of digital technologies, and consumers. Expanding the pool of spectrum available for next-generation wireless broadband offerings will ensure that innovative new networks, devices, and services are made available to the public on a timely basis. Ultimately, that will mean more high-speed choices for consumers, especially those in rural areas harder to reach with high-speed wireline networks. Finally, more generally, anything that moves us in the direction of a freer market in spectrum is a good thing.