2015-02

Increase Usage for Mobile Technology Will Require Additional Spectrum Deployment

SENATOR JUAN M. PICHARDO (RI)

WHEREAS, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) recognizes the importance of wireless technology as a gateway to bridge the digital divide, foster economic inclusion, adopt technology and enhance the quality of life for Hispanics across the country; and

WHEREAS, the Pew Research Center reported that 76% of Latinos go online from a mobile device, 86% of Latinos say they own a cellphone and, according to the analysis, Latinos are just as connected as other Americans; as such this will increase the usage of wireless data and demands from consumers. CTIA’s analysis based on Cisco and Ericson research revealed a six fold increase in mobile data traffic between 2014 and 2019. This rise in traffic and data usage could result in a spectrum shortage beyond network capacity.

WHEREAS, there is a strong need to address this gap; in order to promote innovation, and address the spectrum crisis, an increase in spectrum must be available for the expansion of wireless services and alternatives to use spectrum more efficiently should be considered.

WHEREAS, spectrum, the invisible infrastructure of electromagnetic airwaves used to transfer information wirelessly, is a finite resource used to support any wireless service, both in commercial and federal use. The wireless signals range from licensed commercial mobile broadband and broadcast, to unlicensed WIFI and wireless mics, to military radar and satellites. These specific frequencies tend to vary.

WHEREAS, American consumers and businesses spent over $170 billion on wireless services, while wireless companies, their suppliers, and suppliers’ employees generated more than $400 billion in total U.S. spending, as reported by CTIA-the Wireless Association. Moreover, the same report estimated the “app economy” generated 752,000 jobs in 2013.

WHEREAS, Congress has previously recognized the need for additional spectrum for commercial use and more efficient spectrum use by the federal government; and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) agency grants licenses for the use of spectrum, additionally, allocates its use to wireless carriers, TV broadcasters and government agencies.

WHEREAS, the federal government still has sole or primary use of almost 70% of the spectrum best suited for broadband technologies; and the process to identify and bring more spectrum to the market takes more than a decade.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NHCSL calls upon Members of Congress of the United States to enact legislation promptly to reallocate government-held wireless spectrum for commercial use and to seek innovative ways to meet current and future wireless needs for all Americans; and


BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the NHCSL shall send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, Members of Congress and the commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED AND RATIFIED ON NOVEMBER 21, 2015 AT THE NHCSL ANNUAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BUSINESS BOARD OF ADVISORS MEETING HELD IN ATLANTA, GA.