FCC Seeks Spectrum for Broadband

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comment on the sufficiency of current spectrum allocations in spectrum bands, including but not limited to the prime spectrum bands below 3.7 GHz, for purposes of the Commission's development of a National Broadband Plan (Plan) pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Specifically, participants in the proceeding have raised the issue that the United States will not have sufficient spectrum available to meet demands for wireless broadband in the near future. In this Public Notice, the FCC seeks additional comment on the fundamental question of whether current spectrum allocations, including but not limited to the prime bands below 3.7 GHz, are adequate to support near- and longer-term demands of wireless broadband. The FCC requests that commenters responding to this Public Notice provide detailed, fact-based responses and to the extent possible provide quantitative data and analytical justification for their arguments. The FCC asks that commenters address: 1. What is the ability of current spectrum allocations to support next-generation build-outs and the anticipated surge in demand and throughput requirements? 2. What spectrum bands are best positioned to support mobile wireless broadband? 3. What spectrum bands are best positioned to support fixed wireless broadband? 4. What are the key issues in moving spectrum allocations toward their highest and best use in the public interest? 5. What is the ability of current spectrum allocations to support both the fixed and mobile wireless backhaul market? Comments are due October 23; replies are due November 13.