From Proposal to Deployment: The History of Spectrum Allocation Timelines

This report highlights the urgency necessary in the effort to identify and reallocate licensed spectrum. There is no more traditional licensed spectrum in the pipeline after the incentive auction, and on average it takes 13 years to reallocate or auction and clear spectrum. The protracted process of freeing up spectrum places the US at risk of losing its wireless broadband leadership.

It is critical to move now to identify new bands to enable the continued growth of wireless -for 4G LTE, LTE Advanced, the Internet of Things, and next generation technologies like 5G. Failure to move quickly will not be felt only by wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers. The continued success of the mobile apps industry, for example -- a source of employment for over 750,000 people -- depends on more spectrum. With serious commitment, the time it takes to reallocate spectrum can be fast-tracked. Let's get to work.