FCC Chair Vows MoreWiFi Space

In his appreciative introduction of FCC chairman Julius Genachowski at the Consumer Electronics Show Wednesday, Consumer Electronics Assn.’s Gary Shapiro dubbed Genachowski "the Spectrum Chairman" for his tireless efforts to free spectrum for new uses.

A story by Daniel S. Cohen at variety.com reports, moments later Genachowski earned the moniker all over again, announcing that the FCC is moving next month to free up "a substantial amount" of spectrum for Wi-Fi with the aim of improving speed and relieving congestion.

"We've talked a lot about the spectrum crunch, and the focus has really been on the mobile spectrum crunch and licensed spectrum," said the chairman. "There's also a Wi-Fi traffic jam. When...you see how much more video wants to travel over Wi-Fi networks you realize we've got to do something about this."

Genachowski also addressed the planned incentive auctions for broadcasters' spectrum, saying that after initial resistance from the National Assn. of Broadcasters, more and more broadcasters are taking another look at the auctions.

He also said the FCC is eager to help broadcasters reach their audiences on new platforms.

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