Policymakers generally accept that if they don’t take steps to free up more spectrum for mobile data networks, carriers are going to be overwhelmed as Americans increasingly rely on their smartphones and other devices for an ever-growing array of applications. But where is it going to come from?
On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission approved three items that aim to advance its spectrum-reform efforts, including a notice of proposed rulemaking that would lay the groundwork for shifting spectrum from TV broadcasters to wireless data providers. Additionally, the commission is looking to relax its rules for testing experimental spectrum uses and to develop new methods of opportunistic usage and dynamic sharing to maximize the usage of a scarce resource.
CIO Update reports on the latest movement on the spectrum front at the FCC.
WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday took a series of steps aimed at expanding the spectrum available for mobile broadband networks, laying the groundwork for a transition of portions of the airwaves from television broadcasters to wireless providers.
By unanimous votes, the five-member panel initiated two rulemaking proceedings and approved a notice of inquiry that together further various aspects of the agency’s work on spectrum reform, one of its signature priorities as it strives to provide sufficient capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband services.
