Kerry, Snowe introduce spectrum inventory bill

Sens John Kerry (D-MA) and Olympia Snow (R-Maine) are introducing legislation that allows federal agencies to survey how the government is using spectrum that could otherwise be used for commercial wireless.

The bill is being reintroduced amid greater focus by the White House and Federal Communications Commission on freeing up radio waves for mobile high-speed networks. The senators said their bill would allow the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to take stock of radio spectrum being used. The proposed RADIOS Act would also establish Wi-Fi hot spots and other systems in federal buildings.