Mobile-centric group backs spectrum reallocation legislation

A mobile-centric group of companies calling itself the High Tech Spectrum Coalition (HTSC) supports federal legislation that would auction and reallocate wireless spectrum and reward broadcasters with a percentage of the proceeds, according to a letter provided to FierceCable by Congressman Robert Latta's office.

"We strongly believe that that voluntary incentive auctions are the best near term mechanism to ensure there is sufficient spectrum to satisfy the growing demand for wireless services," the group, composed of Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL), Cisco (Nasdaq: CSCO), Ericsson, Intel (Nasdaq: INTC), Nokia, RIM, Qualcomm, the Information Technology Industry Council, TIA and Semiconductor Industry Association wrote to Latta, author of H.R. 1622, also known as the Spectrum Innovation Act.

The legislation notes that it is in the "public interest" for broadcasters to voluntarily relinquish "some or all ... licensed spectrum usage rights" for new assignments in broadband wireless and share in any revenues from these voluntary auctions. Importantly, for broadcasters at least, the legislation also states that the FCC "may not reclaim frequencies of broadcast television licensees directly or indirectly on an involuntary basis."

For more:
- see the proposed legislation (PDF)

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