WISPA NTIA Listening Tour Statement

Washington, DC, April 11, 2023 – WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries commends NTIA for its tremendous efforts to listen to stakeholders as it develops its National Spectrum Strategy.  Americans have become safer, more prosperous and more deeply connected to each other from the benefits of commercially available spectrum.  However, with little useable greenfield spectrum available, it is incumbent on NTIA to identify new spectrum and/or avenues to access fallow spectrum, and then expeditiously work with all public and private stakeholders to unleash its full potential.  A well thought-out and deliberate spectrum strategy will make this happen.

In this regard, WISPA believes NTIA must:

• Recognize that “sharing,” either through a CBRS-like model, an AFC or other technology represents a proven way in which to get fallow spectrum to the marketplace safely, quickly, reliably and equitably;
• Ensure that with any identified spectrum, the FCC balances its approach to its commercial access, providing ample and meaningful opportunities for unlicensed providers and smaller operators to serve customers with it; and
• Nurture the important role unlicensed spectrum plays in our economy and global leadership.

WISPA members use a variety of transmission technologies to serve their largely rural, under-resourced and Tribal marketplaces. Wireless spectrum allows quick, affordable and reliable connectivity where other technologies reasonably cannot.  Having meaningful access to more spectrum puts more tools in the hands of those bringing broadband to the unserved and underserved.  Americans are better off for that.  We are excited that the NTIA shares this goal, and we pledge our steadfast efforts to help the agency develop and then realize a successful spectrum strategy.

About WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members provide fixed broadband connectivity, and include equipment suppliers, support services, and other industry partners and stakeholders. Our members provide broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban, and Tribal areas across America.

Contact
Mike Wendy
WISPA
202-763-5257
mwendy@wispa.org