WASHINGTON, D.C. -- At a White House-sponsored summit entitled "Spectrum Auctions: Unlocking the Innovative Potential of Wireless Broadband" today, a panel of economists discussed potential incentive auctions of broadcast spectrum. The following quote can be attributed to NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton in response to today's summit:
"As we've said consistently, NAB does not oppose incentive auctions that are truly voluntary. We would remind our economist friends that broadcasters returned more than a quarter of the spectrum held by TV broadcasters less than two years ago, and that those airwaves have yet to be fully deployed.
"Using a 'one-to-everyone' transmission architecture that is remarkably robust and reliable, broadcasters are far and away the most efficient users of spectrum, delivering the highest quality video programming to 43 million citizens who are exclusively reliant on over-the-air television. Moreover, broadcast programming is provided free to the end user, which constitutes a value to Americans that will never be replicated by cellphone providers whose business model is based on ever-higher monthly charges and fee-based apps.
"NAB welcomes an ongoing dialogue with policymakers on how to resolve wireless carrier capacity challenges without threatening the fabric of an essential American institution: free and local television."
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
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