Auction the spectrum’s ‘white spaces’

AUCTION THE SPECTRUM'S 'WHITE SPACES'
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.)]
[Commentary] Even after we complete the digital television transition on Feb. 17, 2009, broadcasters will not be using all the spectrum allocated for television. The unused spectrum left over throughout the country has been dubbed the “white spaces.” Some companies are asking that the spectrum be given to them for free to use for unlicensed devices. This would be a mistake. The spectrum should be auctioned. Auctions put spectrum into the hands of those who value it most while letting market forces, rather than regulators, determine the best technologies and services. Auctions provide a predictable environment to ensure companies can invest with certainty. And the licenses that are auctioned protect against interference because license holders have both an incentive and a legal duty to prevent any problems.
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