Sununu presses to free vacant broadcast spectrum

WASHINGTON-Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.) said he will introduce legislation to free up vacant broadcast spectrum, a move that could provide additional frequencies for Wi-Fi and WiMAX services.
“Most of the time, government’s best option for promoting technological innovation is to get out of the way. In this case, government can actually help by unlocking spectrum that is currently unused,” said Sununu, a Senate Commerce Committee member who last year worked with other lawmakers on a bill requiring the Federal Communications Commission to permit unlicensed use of unassigned broadcast spectrum between 54 MHz and 698 MHz. “Unassigned portions of the broadcast spectrum can and should be available for other purposes, including improving the quality of Internet services for consumers nationwide.”
The FCC last October took steps to allow operation of low-power devices in broadcast “white space,” radio channels set aside to protect broadcast TV transmissions from interference.
“Regardless of recent Federal Communications Commission action on white spaces, this legislation will hold the FCC accountable and firmly address any uncertainty or legal action that may arise concerning authority over the use of white spaces. As necessary, last year’s bill will be updated to reflect recent FCC activity,” Sununu said.