Rep Markey Plans To Introduce Legislation Next Year To Help FCC Meet Broadband Goals

Hill and industry reaction followed quickly on the heels of the Federal Communications Commission's unanimous vote to pave the way for reclaiming and repurposing broadcast spectrum for broadband use.

Rep Ed Markey (D-MA) said in a statement that he was going to introduce legislation next year to help the FCC meet its broadband plan goal of freeing up 300 MHZ for broadband within five years and 500 within 10 years. That plan requires congressional action to approve incentive auctions to compensate broadcasters for moving off spectrum.

Public Knowledge's Harold Feld said, "We commend the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its actions this morning on spectrum policy. Together, they show the willingness to make certain that all options are being considered, from auctions to leasing spectrum to use of unlicensed spectrum. The Commission’s actions will facilitate imaginative, new and innovative approaches to making more efficient use of spectrum, which will lead to increased benefits to consumers."

"[The National Association of Broadcasters] has no quarrel with incentive auctions that are truly voluntary," said NAB president Gordon Smith. "Going forward, we believe policymakers have an obligation to maintain digital TV services currently provided by broadcasters and to allow free TV viewers to benefit from DTV video innovations. NAB will oppose government-mandated signal strength degradations or limitations, and new spectrum taxes that threaten the future of free and local."

"CTIA and its members look forward to working with the FCC, Congress and all stakeholders to ensure that significant amounts of broadcast spectrum are made available for auction," said CTIA: The Wireless Association president Steve Largent. "Bringing this spectrum to market will allow our members to bid for the right to purchase it, resulting in billions of dollars for the U.S. Treasury and enabling the wireless industry to continue to invest and fuel our ‘virtuous cycle' of innovation and competition."