WASHINGTON-Congressmen last week formed a new caucus that aims to set aside a portion of the 700 MHz spectrum band for unlicensed use once those channels are available with the transition to digital TV.
“It would be an enormous mistake if we were to auction off all of the public’s airwaves, which is the way it is headed today,” said Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Future of American Media Caucus.
Congressional caucuses are formed so members of both political parties can push certain policy initiatives. Other wireless-related caucuses include the Congressional Wireless Caucus and the Congressional E-911 Caucus.
Congress has to decide what to do with 48 megahertz of unallocated spectrum that will be available once broadcasters return the channels to government. Congress already dictated that 24 megahertz be given to public safety and 36 megahertz be auctioned to commercial services. Some of the commercial spectrum has been auctioned already, and an auction started July 20 for some unsold rural licenses.
The Senate Commerce Committee spent all day July 12 examining the DTV transition. During that hearing, the New America Foundation advocated setting aside 20 megahertz for unlicensed uses.
