Broadband Plan: Spectrum Fees Could Be Extra Band-Clearing Incentive

Federal Communications Commission staff on Friday briefed Congressional staffers on the National Broadband Plan. Apparently, the FCC will propose levying spectrum fees on broadcasters and government users alike as a little incentive to clear off some of their spectrum.

The plan includes two recommendations to "expand incentives and mechanisms available to reallocate or repurpose spectrum." One is an auction; the other is "spectrum fees." The FCC has said it planned to pay broadcasters to voluntarily clear off their spectrum, which would be auctioned for wireless broadband. But it also will recommend levying fees on broadcasters who choose not to take the buyout, which could prove another government prod in that voluntary program to give it up.