Some House Democrats Back Low-Band Set Aside

Some leading Democratic members of the House Commerce Committee are encouraging the Federal Communications Commission to reserve some low-band spectrum in the broadcast incentive auction, saying it is important that "every carrier has the opportunity to bid and win this beachfront spectrum."

Among those signing on to the letter were ranking Commerce Committee member Henry Waxman (D-CA), ranking Communications Subcommittee member Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA). "[W]e believe that a proposal to reserve a portion of the available licenses for carriers with limited nationwide low-frequency holdings will stimulate auction competition and revenues, ensuring opportunity to bid and win spectrum to enhance and extend rural build out and improve coverage in all areas, while guarding against excessive concentration of spectrum resources," they wrote.