Satellite : Vast Support for Unlicensed Spectrum

The NCTA, NTCA, Google and nearly 100 other entities signed a letter to House and Senate leaderships Monday urging lawmakers to maintain FCC flexibility with regards to unlicensed spectrum usage. The coalition, consisting of corporate and public interests, trade associations and others, said as Congress considers upcoming spectrum legislation, it must ensure the regulatory agency has authority and freedom to make more spectrum available for diverse uses and users.

In the letter, the groups say of particular importance is keeping some the so-called "beachfront" spectrum (located in TV bands) free for unlicensed services to drive innovation, promote rural broadband and create new wireless opportunities. "Compromise legislation should include language that gives the FCC clear flexibility to make appropriate spectrum allocation decisions that support vibrant wireless competition" while including "provisions that preserve the FCC's authority to respond to changes in (the) market."
: Fta Files - FTA-GODS.COM Satellite : Vast Support for Unlicensed Spectrum

The coalition wrote that under the current system, the FCC has successfully found a nice balance between licensed and unlicensed spectrum access while raising more than B for the U.S. Treasury and driving commercial wireless revenue to 0B annually. The group said the FCC's use of "flexible authority" has simultaneously created an unlicensed industry that generates B each year for the economy and helped America become a leader in wireless technology.
: Fta Files - FTA-GODS.COM Satellite : Vast Support for Unlicensed Spectrum
: Fta Files - FTA-GODS.COM Satellite : Vast Support for Unlicensed Spectrum

Other interests that signed on to the letter include: Microsoft, the Consumers Union, National Alliance for Media Arts & Culture, Public Knowledge, and more. •