Battle for Wireless Spectrum Heating Up

July 23, 2007
Lexero LLC

 

Wireless spectrum promises to become one of the hottest
commodities of the 21st Century. The radio spectrum, a limited resource, is the
range of radio frequencies on which wireless communications may travel. Just as
certain domain names or posh physical addresses are valuable, certain portions
of the spectrum can be very valuable to business, government, the military and
community service and protection, such as police and firefighters. You can see
a copy of the radio spectrum chart here.

 

The increases in number of wireless users and the unchanging
amount of available spectrum suggests that spectrum will become a very hot
commodity in the coming years.

 

A prime example of the battles we can expect to see is
demonstrated in a current proposal to allocate spectrum to public safety uses,
compared to an auction to the highest bidder. While the interests are not
perfectly black and white, many of the common arguments for and against certain
allocations are present. Business argues that private allocation allows for
substantial improvement in wireless innovation and services. Public safety and
military interests argue that safety is of utmost importance.

 

Bottom Line: Spectrum
matters will continue to considerably become more important to nearly every
market participant over the upcoming years. The FCC, the Department of Commerce
and Congress can all expect to face some tough decisions when it comes to
determining the appropriate allocation of radio spectrum.


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Lexero LLC

Lexero is a unique law firm with the sole goal of providing clients with the highest quality advice, service and value. Located in the heart of the legal capital of the world, Washington, DC, Lexero boasts an attorney roster with appellate and trial success who have been quoted or featured in some of the world’s most prominent media outlets. You can also read about some of the firm’s recent client successes.

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