Bill Puts Pressure on Federal Spectrum Users

Two members of the House Commerce Committee offered legislation that would put pressure on the Administration to do more than just talk about meeting President Obama's pledge to free up 500 megahertz of spectrum over the next decade.

The bill, offered by Reps. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA), would require the administration to auction off a chunk of spectrum coveted by the wireless industry that is now used by federal agencies. The bill would require that the 1755-1780 megahertz block of spectrum be paired with the 2155-2180 band, which the Federal Communications Commission already has available, and be auctioned to wireless providers. The Stearns-Matsui bill would give the Pentagon and other federal agencies five years to relocate from the 1755 band and authorize funding to pay for the costs associated with that move.