Mobile Broadband Spectrum Shortage Requires Immediate Action

ICC says that mobile broadband spectrum policy must co-exist with other critical societal priorities such as broadcast services
ICC says that mobile broadband spectrum policy must co-exist with other critical societal priorities such as broadcast services

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today called for governments and regulators to accelerate efforts to allocate and assign adequate spectrum to support the ever-increasing traffic demand for mobile broadband.

In a discussion paper developed by the ICC Task Force on Internet and Telecoms Infrastructure and Services (IT IS), ICC expressed concern about the strain on spectrum supply to meet the demand created by the growing number of subscribers and machine-to-machine technologies, and by the increasing consumption of voice minutes and data capacity ICC emphasized that it does not attach a greater importance to the use of spectrum for one particular mobile technology over another, and said that mobile broadband spectrum policy must co-exist with other critical societal priorities such as broadcast services.

Eric Loeb, chair of IT IS, said: “Given the enormous contribution of mobile broadband to innovation, competition, and job and economic growth in developed and developing countries, it is crucial that the unprecedented potential of mobile broadband is not stifled by a lack of adequate spectrum.”

The speed at which governments implement additional spectrum plans is critical. “The skyrocketing uptake of 3G services and mobile devices is already putting tremendous pressure on the current spectrum allocations,” said Mr Loeb. “As 4G adoption kicks in widely, that pressure will substantially increase. This entirely predictable spectrum shortage needs to be tackled as a priority today.”

Click here to read more on ICC’s website.

Staff contact: Barbara Wanner

More on USCIB’s Information, Communications and Technology Policy (ICT)

ICC website

Staff Contact:   Barbara Wanner

VP, Digital Policy
Tel: 202.617.3155

Barbara Wanner directs USCIB’s work on information, communications and technology issues. She works with members and government officials on a wide range of international business issue that include advocating for the continuation of the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance and for policies aimed at promoting the stability, openness and innovative flexibility of the Internet. She represents USCIB members’ interests in several international forums, including the UN, APEC and the OECD.
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