Spectrum sales bode well for US innovation

[Commentary] A successful [spectrum] auction means consumers maintain access to the local broadcasting they have come to expect. In fact, because the auction is voluntary, broadcasting should emerge from the auction stronger than before, committed to the value and values of local broadcasting. Consumers will also see improvements in the wireless services that are increasingly central to our daily lives and our economy. More spectrum for wireless broadband means more bandwidth for everything from sharing our photos and videos to conducting business online. As our economy continues to grow on the back of wireless access to the Internet, additional spectrum will enable markets to flourish and encourage continued growth, investment and competition.

The Federal Communications Commission must continue to listen to policymakers and potential auction participants and continue working to ensure the best possible outcome for the auction. Maintaining a market for local broadcasting and producing licenses of the highest quality for auction participants should animate the commission’s work as we and the world learn and benefit from this unique experience. This an unprecedented opportunity for the United States to, once again, lead the world in the innovative spectrum economy. While we may not know what the future holds, if the auction is done right, it will surely be bright and exceed our wildest imagination -- American innovation at its finest.

[Rep Greg Walden (R-OR) is the Chairman of the House Communications Subcommittee]