The administration is developing a national spectrum strategy, according to National Telecommunications & Information Administration head David Redl. Speaking at a Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee meeting Wednesday, Redl said details would be released “soon,” reported Broadcasting and Cable.
CTIA jumped on the news. “It’s great to see the Administration initiating a new national strategy to improve wireless connectivity for American consumers and business,” said CTIA SVP Regulatory Affairs Scott Bergmann. “Wireless is a major growth driver for the economy – contributing $475 billion annually and supporting 4.7 million jobs – and we look forward to working with Administrator Redl on a roadmap to allocate more spectrum for commercial wireless use which will also help the U.S. to secure global leadership in 5G.”
The move comes as the FCC is simultaneously easing restrictions on wireless infrastructure siting, Inside Towers reported. The Commission recently voted to eliminate environmental and historic reviews for small cells not on Tribal land or reservations. The agency is now turning its attention to state and local reviews for siting 5G equipment, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr recently said.
April 27, 2018
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