Boucher: Broadband Plan Should Not Force Broadcasters Off Spectrum

House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA) took the opportunity of a public sidebar discussion on the House floor with Rep Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to make it clear he doesn't the Federal Communications Commission to force television broadcasters off the spectrum they currently use.

He also doesn't want the commission proceeding with its voluntary spectrum reclamation plan before it has identified where the spectrum is available and from whom it should come, and reported that information to Congress, a process that could take several years.

Chairman Boucher is not suggesting new spectrum is not needed. He has repeatedly acknowledged the need and desirability of freeing up spectrum for wireless broadband use, including from broadcasters if it is freely given. But he used the House floor time to reiterate that it must be voluntary, period. "Broadcasters who surrender spectrum would receive compensation for a voluntary spectrum transfer. I would not support the commission's requiring stations to give up spectrum involuntarily."