The Hill News

One of the more lively debates that has been dominating Washington centers around something none of us can even see: spectrum â€" the invisible infrastructure that powers everything from radios and broadcast television, to Wi-Fi, cellular phones, and even garage door openers.

Spectrum is today’s hot topic due to the unprecedented growth of mobile broadband, which is taxing the networks of America’s wireless providers. Simply put, if spectrum is the oxygen of the wireless world, providers are quickly running out of air, and unless more spectrum can soon be purchased by the carriers who need it the most, our country risks missing out on the full economic and social benefits mobile broadband promises to bring.

The pressing need to free up more spectrum is not lost on the Federal Communications Commission or Congress. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has warned of a “looming spectrum crisis,” and in February, with a wise compromise on the payroll-tax! extension bill, lawmakers set an important process in motion. Congress not only freed up more spectrum, but recognized the importance of ensuring a humble approach to the way the next round of spectrum auctions â€" which could mean billions to America’s economy â€" is crafted.

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