Rep. Waxman Statement on FCC Proposed Spectrum Auction Rules

Statement

Today Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of the Incentive Auction Notice of Proposed Rule-Making (also known as Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum Through Incentive Auctions):

"I applaud the FCC's unanimous approval of the Incentive Auction Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This is an important milestone towards implementing the bipartisan Public Safety and Spectrum legislation passed by Congress earlier this year. That landmark legislation gave the FCC new authority to repurpose underutilized spectrum to help meet the nation's growing demand for mobile broadband and fund the creation of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network for first responders. In particular, Congress recognized the value of unlicensed spectrum to promote innovation and economic growth and gave the FCC the authority to utilize nationwide guard bands for this purpose. "I am pleased that the FCC's action today is faithful to Congressional intent and aims to promote unlicensed use as well as the innovation that will surely follow.

"I commend Chairman Genachowski and the FCC staff for their tireless work on this highly complex and critical matter."

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