Broadcasters downplay threat of 'alleged spectrum shortage'

Source: 
Author: 
Coverage Type: 

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is minimizing the severity of what public officials have described as a looming spectrum crisis.

The Obama administration and the wireless and tech industries have invoked a shortage of airwaves as a reason to recover spectrum used by TV broadcasters. They want to put it to use by mobile broadband companies instead. In a letter to Commerce leaders in both chambers, NAB President Gordon Smith cited press reports that Time Warner Cable is warehousing spectrum rather than deploying it and that wireless carriers are sitting on as much as $15 billion in spectrum. Smith referred to the "alleged spectrum shortage" facing the nation. "If there is truly a 'spectrum crisis,' then allowing companies the size of [Time Warner Cable] to hoard airwaves should not be permitted," he wrote. Smith advocated for spectrum inventory legislation as a way to ascertain which companies and government agencies are sitting on spectrum. He said an inventory is necessary as a first step if the nation is "truly committed to unlocking the technological potential of wireless broadband."


Broadcasters downplay threat of 'alleged spectrum shortage' NAB Criticizes TWC Spectrum Hoarding (TVNewsCheck)