Public Knowledge President Gigi B. Sohn today commended the sponsors of two new bills that would bring more competition in the broadband market through the use of wireless technology.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, has introduced S. 2332, the American Broadband for Communities Act. Four Senators on the Commerce Committee, Sen. George Allen, R-Va.; Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H.; Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.; and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Cal., introduced S. 2327, the Wireless Innovation Act of 2006.
The bills are similar, with both promoting the use of unused spectrum (the so-called “white space”) in the bands to be returned by broadcasters for unlicensed uses, which could include broadband. “Both bills will lead to much needed competition in the broadband market in all parts of the country, and should be of particular help in the rural areas that are now most lacking in competition” Sohn said.
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