FCC To Buy Wireless Spectrum from TV Broadcasters

Filed in archive Announcements on February 24, 2010

Federal regulators are hoping to secure more wireless spectrum for advanced mobile services by actually offering to pay television broadcasters to give up their rights to airwaves.

As part of a proposal, called the "National Broadband Plan," existing spectrum holders would be paid to give up their licenses for government auctions, in addition to receiving a portion of the airwave proceeds raised by selling the to rights wireless carriers. The proceeds will be worth an estimated $50 billion!

The plan would free up 500 megahertz of airwaves, more than doubling the existing spectrum available for wireless carriers, who have demanded more space as their customers increasingly watch videos, check email and update Facebook on high-end smartphones.