CTIA Wants Another 366 MHz of Licensed Spectrum

According to a report commissioned by the CTIA, to meet America's growing demand for mobile broadband, the wireless industry will need 366 MHz of new licensed spectrum by 2019. In 2010, the FCC projected a licensed spectrum deficit of nearly 300 MHz by 2014, and the new report identifies an additional 366 MHz necessary to meet the estimated six-fold increase in mobile data traffic by 2019.

"Since the FCC released its spectrum plan five years ago to meet the escalating demand for mobile broadband, American consumers fully embraced a connected life," wrote Meredith Attwell Baker, president and CEO of the CTIA. "We now need to execute on a new five year plan to identify and re-allocate over 350 MHz of new spectrum for licensed mobile broadband services to ensure that the U.S. will continue its global leadership in wireless."