FCC, not free market, best for spectrum auction

[Commentary] In the last few weeks, I have read a number of op-eds claiming that reallocation of broadcast spectrum for wireless use should be left to the free market. While I am a fervent believer in free markets and limited government, there are rare instances in which government involvement is necessary. I agree with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on his proposal that managing the incentive process to voluntarily reclaim broadcast licenses and repack the spectrum is an area that absolutely requires FCC leadership and experience.

When the FCC assumed responsibility in 1927 to determine the license holders for the nation's spectrum, there were only a few licensees. Today, and largely driven by the wireless industry, spectrum is a scarce commodity that commands billions when auctioned. To ensure that this finite resource is put to its highest and best use, the federal government acts as manager and aggregator of the licenses. For wireless, it identifies spectrum bands that are nationally, and sometimes internationally, harmonized once underused spectrum is identified and license holders are moved (or repackaged). With thousands of license holders across the country, including broadcasters, it's a challenging task but one the government does well to ensure interference-free service. The FCC rightfully plays a critical role in the voluntary broadcast incentive auction process because it works for everyone involved. Let's work with the FCC and move quickly to get this valuable spectrum to auction--the first step will be legislation that authorizes an incentive auction--so that the U.S. wireless industry can remain the world's leader and continue to offer our consumers the best mobile experience.