Tech industry pushing FCC for more Wi-Fi airwaves in 2015 spectrum auction

The technology industry is pressuring the Federal Communications Commission to set aside more free, unlicensed airwaves that help fuel Wi-Fi networks, a demand that will create tension as the government tries to also boost revenue-producing licensed airwaves.

In 2015, the FCC will auction off airwaves worth billions to wireless companies. While the agency has pledged to set aside some unlicensed airwaves -- which fuel consumer electronic devices like garage door openers and Wi-Fi routers -- some fear the FCC may not reserve enough of the valuable airwaves as it tries to meet congressionally set revenue goals. The highly-anticipated 2015 auction will involve buying airwaves back from broadcasters and then selling new licenses for those airwaves to spectrum-hungry wireless companies looking to expand their networks. While most focus on the battle between wireless companies over the agency's plans to limit certain companies in the auction, the tech industry is watching to see how much of the available spectrum the FCC will set aside for unlicensed use. According to an FCC official, the exact amount of airwaves to be set aside for unlicensed use depends on how much spectrum broadcasters are willing to sell back, and cannot be determined precisely until the auction begins next year.