Obama Signs Wireless Broadband Proclamation, Affirms FCC Goal
June 28, 2010
| 11:12 AM
The White House announced today that President Obama has signed a "presidential memorandum" affirming that the federal government will seek to make 500 megahertz of government and commercial spectrum available over the next decade for wireless broadband. The goal is consistent with one of the key recommendations outlined in the FCC's national broadband plan, released in March.
In a media announcement, the White House repeated the FCC's concern that the nation faces a critical spectrum shortage.
"In recent years, the amount of information flowing over some wireless networks has grown at over 250 percent per year, with some estimates indicating that the next five years will see an increase in wireless data of between 20 and 45 times 2009 levels, reflecting the increasing use of smartphones, netbooks, and other wireless devices," the White House said.
"As the revolution in mobile broadband and related technologies unfolds, the demand for spectrum will continue to increase - leading to increasing fears of a spectrum crunch," it added.
"We appreciate FCC assurances that further reclamation of broadcast television spectrum will be completely voluntary, and we're convinced that America can have both the finest broadband and broadcasting system in the world without jeopardizing the future of free and local TV service," the National Association of Broadcasters responded in a statement.
"We also believe the first priority of Congress ought to be passage of spectrum inventory legislation that identifies fallow spectrum or companies that may be 'warehousing' the airwaves," the association said.
To read Obama's presidential proclamation, click here
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