Clearing the Air for Efficient Spectrum: A Hybrid Approach Towards Market Driven Reallocation in 2014

This paper addresses the impact that current FCC spectrum policy has on spectrum distribution, and why current trends in media usage mandate changes to this system that do not include the government’s current repacking plans. The paper argues that the FCC should remove the current FCC allocation system based on communication categories, and implement in its place, a regulatory system that addresses high-level networks with aggregated distribution platforms, and utilize an "open wireless" model where possible to promote innovation and band efficiency. The boundaries on exclusive licenses should be structured around consumption metrics, i.e. bits exchanged, resulting as the sum of all parts of the transferred data. The current controversy over the repacking of the TV bands supports the argument that the FCC should make these proposed changes sooner rather than later to avoid disruption. Several recent laws have given the FCC greater authority to reallocate some of the TV bands to support new wireless data services. This process of repackaging is proving difficult given certain inflexibilities in the current spectrum classification scheme that allocates spectrum based on media platform. As Internet communications have changed the methods by which consumers use media, for example, a TV can be a means of accessing radio, the computer can be a TV source, and the Internet serves most telephone needs, the ability to correctly classify spectrum using traditional means is ineffective. This has resulted in the inefficient distribution of spectrum, and encumbered "white spaces" during a time when spectrum available for wireless broadband applications is under increasing strain.