Senate to hold hearing on FCC auction

The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on the upcoming spectrum auction on Dec 10.

The Federal Communications Commission plans to buy back the licenses of TV broadcasters for auction to cellphone service providers. The additional spectrum will help the wireless providers meet the skyrocketing demand for mobile data, and the auction revenue will help the government pay for a nationwide wireless network for first responders and to reduce the national debt. Building the public safety network, a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission Report, is a top priority for Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV).