Rep Walden: Unlicensed Is Important, But FCC Should Not Give Away Billions

As the conferees get down to the short strokes on a compromise payroll tax break extension package, the issue of unlicensed wireless is heating up. That is because a House Communications-passed version of incentive auction legislation being considered as part of that package, the so-called JOBS Act, would not give the Federal Communications Commission free reign to carve out more of the reclaimed broadcasters' spectrum for unlicensed wireless.

"Unlicensed spectrum has an important role to play, and we have worked hard to find the right balance on a policy that protects taxpayers and promotes innovation," House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) said. "There is currently more unlicensed spectrum than there is licensed spectrum for wireless broadband use. The JOBS Act not only preserves unlicensed spectrum, it creates more for future innovation. The JOBS Act simply says that the FCC cannot spend taxpayer funds to clear additional spectrum and then give away that billions of dollars' worth of spectrum. Taxpayers deserve a return on their investment."