April 18, 2012
In light of an announcement by Verizon, the NAB is expressing further skepticism about a "spectrum shortage" that raises the need for TV broadcasters to participate in "incentive auctions" to sell off their airwaves. Verizon said it will "conduct an open sale process for all of its 700 MHz A and B spectrum licenses in order to rationalize its spectrum holdings," adding, "The licenses cover dozens of major cities across the country, as well as a number of smaller and rural markets." Verizon acquired the spectrum in an auction in 2008.
NAB EVP/Communications Dennis Wharton said, "Today's proposal by Verizon to sell reallocated broadcast TV spectrum involves airwaves in the largest urban markets in America that it purchased more than four years ago. The fact that it has warehoused this 'beachfront property' raises the fundamental question of whether a spectrum shortage actually exists. Rather than simply take at face value the specious claims of wireless broadband providers, policymakers should heed the words of Martin Cooper, the inventor of the cellphone, who disputes the notion of a spectrum crisis."
The Verizon sale is conteingent on government approval of its purchase of spectrum from SpectrumCo.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, speaking at the NAB Show this week, urged TV broadcasters to participate in voluntary spectrum auctions, while NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith counseled caution.
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