CTIA–The Wireless Association® Thanks FCC for Releasing Broadcast Spectrum Technical Paper

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the Federal Communications Commission’s release of their technical paper, “Spectrum Analysis: Options for Broadcast Spectrum,” CTIA-The Wireless Association® issued the following statement: 

“CTIA is pleased with the recent activity at the Commission to continue the process of investigating ways to maximize the use of the broadcast spectrum in America, including the release of its technical paper entitled, ‘Spectrum Analysis: Options for Broadcast Spectrum,’ as well as the upcoming Broadcast Engineering Forum. The Commission's National Broadband Plan correctly identifies the reallocation of spectrum, including broadcast spectrum, for wireless broadband as a national broadband priority.  This paper and forum are very positive steps toward making the Commission's goals of finding 300 MHz in the next five years and 500 MHz in the next ten years for wireless broadband a reality.

“We have long advocated for efficient use of spectrum, most recently highlighting for the Commission the vast swaths of broadcast spectrum that go unused by broadcasters.  For example, in the District of Columbia, only 102 out of 294 MHz are used by full-power broadcasters which means 192 MHz lays fallow. This can, and should, be addressed. Investigating how to reallocate some of that spectrum makes complete sense and the paper identifies mechanisms to make that happen.

“CTIA looks forward to working with the Commission to bring the unused U.S. broadcast spectrum to market and putting it to its highest, best and most efficient use, without unduly impacting America's over-the-air television viewers.  Identifying broadcast spectrum for reallocation will help meet the Commission's National Broadband Plan goals and ensure that the United States' wireless ecosystem continues to thrive and lead the world in innovation.”

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CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry’s voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry’s leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, DC.