The Telecommunications Industry Association has applauded the United States Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration for reporting out the costs, at a total far less than previous wireless industry estimates, to move incumbent federal users out of the 1710-1755 MHz band.
TIA President Matthew Flanigan says the costs and timelines submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pave the way for an FCC auction of some of the nation's most valuable airwaves. TIA identified this issue as a priority with Congress last year and has continued to work with policy-makers and Department of Defense spectrum users to emphasize the importance of making this spectrum available.
Using proceeds of commercial spectrum auctions to fund the relocation costs of federal incumbents helps all segments of the wireless industry, creating a win-win situation for both industry and government, Flanigan says.
"The passage of the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act last year and today's report by NTIA are important steps in accelerating the deployment of advanced wireless services," says Flanigan. "Auction proceeds will create billions of dollars of capital investments and increase job growth in the United States."
The TIA is based in Arlington, VA. For more information visit www.tiaonline.org.