The Federal Communications Commission is moving to free up a “substantial” amount of radio spectrum to improve wi-fi around the U.S., FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Genachowski and the Commission are ready to shift spectrum so that conventions like CES will not be a wi-fi nightmare in the near future.
“There’s been a Wi-Fi traffic jam,” said Genachowski before engaging in a question and answer session with CEA President Gary Shapiro.
Shapiro applauded Genachowski for his leadership at FCC, repeatedly referring to him as the “spectrum chairman” for his efforts to manage congestion problems caused by the rapid adoption of smartphones.
“When you see what’s going on, and how much more video travels over Wi-Fi networks, you understand. It’s time to do it,” said Genachowski.
Genachowski said this would enable wi-Fi speeds up to 35 percent faster.
The FCC will implement the plan starting next month, but Genachowski cautioned that there is still much work to be done to meet the demands of the wireless industry.
An incentive auction that would entice over-the-air broadcasters to give up spectrum to wireless companies continues to face some resistance.
However, with fewer and fewer American relying on local stations for programming, it has become increasingly difficult for these broadcasters to justify taking up so much spectrum.
“I don’t think it is a surprise that broadcasters who aren’t interested in tendering spectrum would rather this not happen,” he said. “But we need to do this for the country. It doesn’t make sense in New York to have 28 full power licenses.”
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.comBusiness News