Thanks to Ann Higgins for the heads up on the FCC Spectrum plan or plan to plan. According to Mutlichannel News…
The FCC plans to launch a rulemaking and inquiry into spectrum relocation at its Nov. 30 meeting. It is looking to reclaim 120 MHz of spectrum from broadcasters and auction it for wireless broadband.
The NTIA timetable tracks pretty closely with the broadcast spectrum reallocation timetable on the FCC’s National Broadband Plan action agenda, which had a 2010 target for a rulemaking proposal, a 2011 date for a final order, though it suggested starting the auctions of the spectrum in 2012.
They are hoping for 120 MHz – but as the article points out they may (OK will) need find a way to compensate anyone who might voluntarily give up spectrum.
You might recall the National Broadband Plan hopes to poise the US as wireless experts – although the timeline on expertise is a little long. In fact there has been talk about expediting the process with a fast track.
