U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) have introduced the Spectrum Measurement and Policy Reform Act, new legislation aimed at modernizing the nation’s radio spectrum planning, management and coordination activities.
The new legislation would create a mandate for a full spectrum inventory. Additionally, the bill requires greater collaboration between the FCC and NTIA on spectrum policy- and management-related issues, implementation of spectrum sharing and reuse programs, as well as more market-based incentives to promote efficient spectrum use.
Snowe and Kerry, senior members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and longtime champions of spectrum reform, designed the legislation to complement the FCC’s National Broadband Plan.
“This legislation will lay the groundwork to develop a strong and effective 21st century comprehensive spectrum policy that will provide consumers with additional choices, greater innovation, lower prices and more reliable services,” Snowe said.
The legislation also sets a deadline for the creation of the National Strategic Spectrum Plan, which will provide a long-term vision for domestic spectrum use and strategies.
“Our nation’s airwaves are finite resources, and we need to use them as efficiently as possible,” Kerry said.
