Spectrum Inventory Facing Hurdles

National Telecommunications and Information Administration head Larry Strickling said June 3 that the Obama administration is facing challenges conducting an inventory of government-controlled spectrum designed to free up airwaves for commercial mobile use.

He said the cost of clearing some bands occupied by federal agencies, and the technical complexities involved, have emerged as potential impediments. Asked if the administration would meet the FCC's goal of identifying an additional 500 megahertz of wireless spectrum over the next decade to meet skyrocketing demand, Strickling said: "It's not going to be accomplished by clearing bands and reallocating for exclusive use by other providers."