FCC Commissioner McDowell Opposes Unlicensed Spectrum Set Aside

Speaking to the Global Forum in Brussels, Federal Communications Commission member Robert McDowell pitched using a combination of already allocated unlicensed-use spectrum in the TV band - the so-called "white spaces" - with better spectrum management by cellular companies as a way to address the current spectrum needs of all those new smartphones and tablets.

"We should work together to encourage wireless providers to deploy enhanced antenna systems more aggressively and provide targeted consumer education on the benefits of using femtocells, both of which are ready off-the-shelf," said Commissioner McDowell. But he does not support setting aside a large continuous swath of unlicensed spectrum - as some computer companies have been advocating - as part of the current push to consolidate broadcasters and reclaim their spectrum for wireless auctions. "At this early stage, it is not apparent that we should stop the progress well under way in the white spaces arena to create a solution for a problem - an alleged shortage of unlicensed spectrum in the 700 MHz Band -- that may never exist." And then there is the budget issue. "Given today's unprecedented budget deficits, I question whether the U.S. can afford not to auction any and all spectrum recovered in this band," he said.