The Hill News

Exactly 100 years ago, Congress decided to give broadcasters exclusive licenses to use the nation’s public spectrum. It has been clear for at least 50 years that was not the most efficient way to allocate this public resource. Unfortunately, that is not stopping the debate on Payroll Tax Extenders legislation from making another 100-year mistake. By refusing to make additional high-quality spectrum available for shared use, Congress will suppress the growth of the wireless sector, slow innovation and job creation and reduce federal revenues.

By every measure of economic performance â€" device shipments, users, usage, efficiency, value and innovation â€" the unlicensed model has equaled or exceeded the exclusive licensed model in the past decade. Ironically, the FCC, which fathered this remarkable success, has never studied it in detail.  Predictably, the advocates of exclusive licenses have never come to grips with the remarkable success of shared use. App! reciating the success of shared spectrum is the key to avoid making another 100-year mistake.

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