FCC Chairman Puts Focus On Spectrum

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski again stressed the need for more spectrum during the FCC's meeting on the National Broadband Plan. Among the things he wanted to highlight was the vital importance of mobile and mobile broadband, calling it a "critical piece of broadband strategy." That comes as Congress this week heard from broadcasters defending their spectrum turf and a wireless industry that says, wherever it comes from, it has to have more spectrum. Chairman Genachowski agreed. "There may be no greater spur to America's global competitiveness than getting this right," he "The record contains powerful evidence that the demand on our commercial mobile spectrum is on a course to outstrip the supply." He said he had written down the phrase: "More Bandwidth for Broadband," sounding a little like the National Cable & Telecommunications Association arguing against must-carry. He called mobile the single most important element of the nation's broadband future, and said he is convinced there is a looming spectrum shortage.