A Matter of Spectrum

By Brad

A recent study commissioned by the FCC found that allocating broadcast spectrum for use in the wireless industry could yield an estimated $1 trillion in benefits.

The findings of the study, coupled with the FCC’s repeated warnings that new spectrum must be allocated to keep up with increased demand, quickly served as warning flares from broadcast networks. And as Reuters reports, those networks are worried:

Broadcasters are gearing up to battle over a possible move by U.S. regulators that in several years might force them to relinquish some airwaves for broadband use.

The Federal Communications Commission, citing a gap between the availability and the need for more spectrum for burgeoning wireless products, is mulling options to free up broadband.

Broadcasters, meanwhile, are preparing to roll out mobile digital television programs by local stations that can be viewed on laptops and handheld devices among other projects.

“We don’t know all the specifics of the FCC proposal, but at this point, it’s not a very appealing proposition to most broadcasters” Dennis Wharton. spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters, said on Thursday.