FCC Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn Presents Plan for Spectrum Use at Wireless Convention

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 – Addressing spectrum demands and encouraging mobile innovation are the two keys to advancement in communications, said Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association 2013 convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday.

Clyburn highlighted a number of strategies the FCC has enacted or plans to enact in order to make efficient use of spectrum space. The incentive auction program is being evaluated and improved, and an auction is being planned for some time in 2014.

Additionally, in accordance with the Spectrum Act, the FCC is preparing to auction of 10 megahertz of spectrum in the H block, which comprises the spectrum from 1915-1920 MHz and 1995-2000 MHz, as well as 55 megahertz in other bands.

Clyburn also expressed a desire to encourage innovations that will allow available spectrum space to be used more efficiently. In particular, she noted FCC facilitation of small cell technology in the 3.5 gigahertz band.

The 3.5 gigahertz band is a higher frequency than most cellular communications, and spectrum in those frequencies doesn’t enjoy the advantage of penetrating walls and buildings as well as spectrum in other bands.

Innovations in mobile technology have also played an important role in our society, Clyburn said. She noted the rising number of adults who rely exclusive on mobile service providers for voice service as well as the growing wealth of apps.

“The growth of the wireless industry and the opportunities being unleashed by the mobile revolution is nothing short of remarkable,” she said.