Media Access Project Panel Debates Spectrum Auctions

The Media Access Project, a public interest law firm specializing in telecommunications matters, brought together leading industry experts to explore issues surrounding potential spectrum auctions.

The goal of the proposed auctions is to free up spectrum for use by mobile broadband. The spectrum would come from that which is currently owned by television broadcasters who voluntarily gave up part of their licensed bandwidth for monetary compensation. The Federal Communications Commission estimates that only 10 percent of the population still watches over-the-air broadcast television. Many broadcasters, however, oppose the plan and are reluctant to give up their even part of their currently licensed spectrum. “The U.S. is falling behind in providing spectrum for innovation and mobile broadband,” said Chris Guttman-McCabe, Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA ­ The Wireless Association. “Japan is offering up 400 megahertz (MHz) of new spectrum while the UK is offering 500 MHz for new uses.” Guttman-McCabe went on to support the idea of voluntary broadcast spectrum auctions, calling them necessary to prevent a spectrum crisis.