Washington – President Obama on Monday committed the
government to auctioning off an additional 500 megahertz of federal and
commercial spectrum, citing a "spectrum crunch" as demand increases
for services like online video. "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 in a statement.
Revenue from the spectrum auctions —
which would nearly double the amount of commercial spectrum currently available
— would be invested in public safety, related job creation and deficit
reduction.
The government will also provide incentives to commercial and
federal users to use spectrum more efficiently.
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(White House statement)
