View source for A Resolution Supporting the Development of an Updated National Spectrum Policy That Expands Unlicensed Access to Spectrum in the 5GHZ Band to Meet Increased Demand for Wireless Broadband Technologies Exposed

'''A Resolution Supporting the Development of an Updated National Spectrum Policy That Expands Unlicensed Access to Spectrum in the 5GHZ Band to Meet Increased Demand for Wireless Broadband Technologies''' was adopted by ALEC's [https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Communications_and_Technology_Task_Force Communications and Technology Task Force] and approved by the ALEC Board of Directors on July 1, 2014. (Accessed November 2, 2016).

==ALEC Bill Text==

WHEREAS, the rapid deployment of Wi-Fi offers significant benefits to the public; and

WHEREAS, every day we see remarkable new uses for Wi-Fi that provide consumers with convenient and cost-effective connectivity, businesses with new opportunities and those in need with access to publicly available connections; and

WHEREAS, schools, public safety organizations and emergency responders increasingly will depend on fast and reliable Wi-Fi every day; and

WHEREAS, <Insert Name> agrees that the proliferation of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices with Internet access has grown significantly, placing a greater demand on both licensed and unlicensed spectrum, and;

WHEREAS, adding additional spectrum capacity is essential to meet the growing demands of the public while enabling continued innovation, and;

WHEREAS, adding additional spectrum capacity is likely to have a positive impact on jobs, growth and investment, and;

WHEREAS, policies that preserve and encourage continued private investment to deploy broadband technologies are needed; and

WHEREAS, the continuing rapid growth of new communications devices and services requires policymakers to implement effective spectrum management policies that will facilitate the growth of both licensed and unlicensed services; and

WHEREAS, the increase in unlicensed spectrum use has led to a spectrum exhaust in the 2.4 GHz band, which is becoming congested and interference-prone, especially in larger metropolitan areas, making it difficult for consumers to realize the quality of service they expect from Wi-Fi providers; and

WHEREAS, the 5 GHz band has recognized potential to support continued growth in unlicensed wireless services, including the next generations of Wi-Fi which will create a platform for technological innovation, investment, and economic growth; and

WHEREAS, the Internet economy is expected to reach $4.2 trillion in the G-20 economies and 3 billion users globally by 2016, and Wi-Fi is essential to unleashing the full economic potential of the Internet; and

WHEREAS, increasing demand for unlicensed spectrum for Wi-Fi is a critical issue that, if left unresolved, will hinder the broadband industry’s ability to grow, innovate and fulfill the public’s expectations for convenient and cost-effective broadband access, and;

WHEREAS, not allocating this important spectrum to include Wi-Fi will hinder consumers’ ability to access the Internet; and

WHEREAS, <Insert Name> strongly believes that ensuring the long-term success of unlicensed services in the 5 GHz band for Wi-Fi will enable the broadband industry to provide reliable and affordable services to broadband customers;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that <Insert Name> supports the Federal Communications Commission’s move to allocate additional spectrum in the 5 GHz band for unlicensed use in order to meet increased demand for wireless technologies; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that <Insert Name> send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, Members of Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, State Legislatures and Governors.


Approved by the ALEC Board of Directors July 1, 2014.