House Republicans Slam Unlicensed 'Giveaway'

According to a staff memo for the Dec. 12 hearing on incentive auctions in the House Communication Subcommittee, House Republicans aren't happy with the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal to "give away" spectrum for unlicensed use a part of the incentive auctions, saying it risks "short-changing First Responders, squandering much of the legislation's potential, and violating the act."

They also argue that limiting who can bid at the auction could violate the law. The Republicans are also not happy with the FCC's proposal seeking comment on spectrum aggregation and whether it should restrict the amount of spectrum entities could bid for at auction. The Republicans see that as a way to limit the participation of larger carriers. "Excluding parties from the auction, as the FCC's aggregation NPRM contemplates, would likely hinder the broadband objectives of the act as well as reduce auction proceeds."