BOUCHER INTRODUCES RADIO SPECTRUM INVENTORY ACT

(Washington, D.C.) -  U.S. Representative Rick Boucher, Chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee, along with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-TX), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Cliff Stearns (R- FL) today introduced the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act. The measure would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to undertake a comprehensive survey of the nation's spectrum.

"The Radio Spectrum Inventory Act represents a significant step in making available more spectrum for commercial and wireless services. The more efficient use of our nation's airwaves will increase innovation for wireless products and services and improve the connectivity of the American people. As more people use wireless devices and as advanced applications require higher data rates over time, additional spectrum will be needed to accommodate growth. Wireless technologies can also play a critical role in bringing broadband to more consumers, particularly in rural areas," Boucher said.

The Radio Spectrum Inventory Act would allow policymakers, consumers and industry to know what spectrum is being used and how. By identifying gaps in spectrum use and inefficient spectrum allocations, the Act would help meet the growing demand for additional spectrum. Within 180 days of the date of enactment of this measure, the NTIA and the FCC would be required to post the spectrum inventory on the Internet, so it would be universally available. With this important information, we can have an informed debate about how to most efficiently use and allocate our limited spectrum resources.

The Act would also require the NTIA and the FCC to report annually to Congress regarding the results of the spectrum inventory, including an identification of the least utilized blocks of spectrum and a recommendation of which, if any, of such least utilized spectrum blocks should be reallocated.

"Our legislation would enable better use of spectrum frequencies, including through sharing and reallocation. It is forward looking legislation that would encourage innovation and competitiveness," Boucher concluded.

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