CTIA recommended Wednesday that the FCC investigate the upper 15...

The act requires the 15 MHz to be identified, allocated and licensed by February 2015. CTIA said that spectrum could readily be paired with the 15 MHz of spectrum already identified by NTIA as required by the act, at 1695-1710 MHz. “CTIA believes that the 15 MHz of spectrum that is to be identified by the Commission could most effectively be utilized by the commercial mobile broadband industry if it is suitable for mobile services, adjacent to existing bands and readily available for pairing with other spectrum,” said a letter to the FCC commissioners from CTIA President Steve Largent (http://bit.ly/ZnkYXB). “This spectrum band is below 3 GHz, is contiguous and adjacent to current allocations, and would allow pairing in a readily achievable fashion. CTIA is not aware of any other spectrum bands as well-positioned as this band to meet all the key principles for mobile broadband spectrum that could be paired with the specific 15 MHz identified by NTIA, and that could be put to timely use and generate significant revenues through a competitive bidding process.” NAB opposes the proposal. “If CTIA’s request were not such a serious threat to public safety, it would be amusing,” said Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton. “Every day, local TV stations use broadcast auxiliary spectrum to provide breaking coverage of devastating storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. If Superstorm Sandy demonstrated anything, it is that broadcast television serves as a lifeline in times of emergency, where cellphone/wireless architecture has failed.” Broadcasters have already given up “108 MHz and one-third of our BAS spectrum for wireless purposes,” he said. “CTIA is demanding even more spectrum from broadcasters. NAB will work with the FCC to identify appropriate spectrum that meets the requirements of the statute without jeopardizing the safety of the American public.”