Spectrum Inventory Bill Passed

John Kerry

The Senate Commerce Committee WEDNESDAY passed Senator JOHN KERRY's spectrum inventory
bill, which now goes on to the full Senate, reports BROADCASTINGCABLE.COM. "The bill was introduced by Communications Subcommittee Chairman KERRY (D-MA) back in MARCH. It would require the FCC and National Telecommunications & Information Administration to report back to Congress with an inventory of the spectrum they manage and how it is being used.

"That would include how much unlicensed use is allowed, how much spectrum is being used in each band, including the TV and radio bands. NTIA and the FCC would also be required to create an online, 'near real-time' database so the public could monitor any auction, transfer or change in allocation or assignment of frequencies.

"Spectrum is increasingly becoming a very valuable resource and we need to make sure it is being used efficiently," KERRY said, adding that he would work with Senator MARK WARNER (D-VA) on his suggestion that the bill require the measurement of spectrum use according to licenses. He said he was also open to other ideas in what he called a "terrific first step" in reexamining spectrum management.

« see more Net News