Today, CTIA-The Wireless Association President and CEO Steve Largent issued the following statement after he testified on the looming U.S. spectrum crisis, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act (H.R. 3125), and the Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act (H.R. 3019) before the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
“On behalf of CTIA and our members, I appreciated the opportunity to speak before the Subcommittee about the looming U.S. spectrum crisis, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act, and the Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act. As I mentioned in my testimony, our industry is the most efficient users of spectrum in the world, but we are in danger of consumer demand outpacing our capacity.
“While recreational apps are usually what receives the most attention, our industry is also developing and implementing life-saving mHealth apps to environmentally-friendly smart grid technology. All of these uses -“ whether it’s to make a phone call, surf the mobile Internet, or use an app -“ require spectrum.
“With more than 276 million subscribers in the U.S., it is vital for our industry to secure at least 800 MHz of additional spectrum within the next six years. Spectrum is our industry’s backbone and it is what allows us to continue to innovate and create new apps, products, and services. Without this additional spectrum, our industry will cease to provide U.S. consumers with the most innovative and most competitive wireless offerings in the world.
“We need to pass H.R. 3125 so we can have a properly constructed inventory to see what spectrum is available. Once the bill is passed, policymakers need to be prepared to reallocate spectrum identified by the inventory as un- or under-utilized for advanced wireless services. Additionally, we need to pass H.R. 3019 so the improvements to the spectrum relocation process will ensure that any bands that may be reallocated are made available in a timely manner. This bill will also reduce the risks for auction participants by increasing the amount and quality of information available to bidders and federal agencies before an auction of federally-encumbered spectrum.
“We look forward to working with the Subcommittee, FCC, NTIA, and other stakeholders to ensure that the U.S. wireless industry is positioned to meet the evolving needs of individual and business users while continuing to serve as an engine for economic growth and American competitive advantage.”
