500 MHz Initiative
A 2010 Presidential Memorandum directed the Secretary of Commerce, working through NTIA, to collaborate with the Federal Communications Commission to make available a total of 500 megahertz of Federal and nonfederal spectrum over the next 10 years for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use.
This initiative, to nearly double the amount of commercial spectrum, will spur investment, economic growth, and job creation while supporting the growing demand by consumers and businesses for wireless broadband services.
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NTIA Takes Next Step in 500 MHz Wireless Broandband Initiative
Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has selected the next spectrum band for a detailed evaluation of whether it can be repurposed for commercial broadband use. The band selected, 1755-1850 MHz is a priority for analysis based on a variety of factors, including industry interest and its potential for commercial use within ten years.
The following statement can be attributed to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling:
US. Department of Commerce Takes Major Step Towards Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution
WASHINGTON – The Commerce Department, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), today announced it is recommending that 115 MHz of spectrum be reallocated for wireless broadband service within the next five years – an important step towards achieving President Obama's goal to nearly double the amount of commercial spectrum available over the next decade.