FCC seeks comment on wireless broadband spectrum needs

The FCC issued a notice seeking comment on whether more spectrum is needed for wireless broadband services.

The notice is part of the commission's process in crafting a national broadband plan, which is due to Congress in February. The FCC said several entities have commented that the U.S. will not have sufficient spectrum available to meet the demands for wireless broadband in the near future. As such, the FCC wants to know whether current spectrum allocations are enough to support near- and long-term demands of wireless broadband.

The questions the FCC wants answered by Oct. 23 include:

• What is the ability of current spectrum allocations to support next-generation buildouts and the anticipated surge in demand and throughput requirements?
• What spectrum bands are best positioned to support mobile or fixed wireless broadband?
• What are the key issues in moving spectrum allocations toward their highest and best use in the public interest?
• What is the ability of current spectrum allocations to support both the fixed and mobile wireless backhaul market?

For more:
- see this WSJ blog post [1] (sub. req.)
- read this Washington Post blog post [2]
- take a look at this FCC filing [3]

Related articles:
In broadband plan, FCC's Levin acknowledges need for more spectrum [4]
FCC opens debate on national broadband plan [5]