Over the past decade, the amount of commercial licensed spectrum has nearly doubled, while the amount of unlicensed spectrum has nearly quadrupled. CEA supports the market-oriented, deregulatory approach that Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have taken with regard to our nation's spectrum policy. This approach has provided a platform for innovation resulting in enormous public and economic benefits through the use of both licensed and unlicensed spectrum.

A rational policy for both licensed and unlicensed spectrum plays a critical enabling role in the consumer electronics industry. For example, unlicensed spectrum has provided a platform for innovation for numerous CE products, including wireless networks, cordless phones, remote control devices, and CB/family radio products. Emerging applications include ultra-wide band, high-speed home and business wireless networking, and in-home distribution of digital TV signals.  Thus, an effective unlicensed spectrum policy will be important to creating consumer demand for broadband services and facilitating the digital television transition -- two important CEA and national priorities. At the same time, it is critical to ensure that licensed spectrum users are afforded interference protection. Furthermore, as policymakers reform spectrum policies, they must ensure that policies or mandates do not inadvertently hamper innovation. In particular, failed proposals to mandate receiver standards to ease interference could potentially stifle innovation and increase manufacturing costs.

Promoting Efficient Use of Spectrum Issue Brief - January 2009 
FCC Revises 700 MHz Rules to Advance Interoperable Public Safety Communications and Promote Wireless Broadband Deployment
CEA Comments - FCC White Spaces 01-31-07
CEA Comments - 700 MHz Public Safety 02-26-07
CEA Opposition to Cyren Recon Petition 03-16-07