[Satellite TODAY Insider 03-21-11] If just half of the new spectrum promised in the National Broadband Plan is made commercially available, demand will still exceed capacity by 2017, according to a report filed March 16 with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
    In the report, wireless technology engineer Peter Rysavy presented a list of consequences to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski for failing to make new spectrum available in the marketplace.
    “A widespread spectrum shortage in the United States would cause unpredictable network service and unreliable performance for consumers at potentially higher connectivity costs, which could hinder low-income subscribers who rely on their mobile phones to access the Internet. The impact would jeopardize 2.4 million American jobs supported by the mobile sector and threatens America’s ability to innovate and compete in the global economy,” Rysavy said in the report. “If the spectrum deficit is not immediately addressed, demand is predicted to exceed existing network capacity in three to four years, hitting urban areas with the busiest networks and where the highest density of users are concentrated.”
    Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter agreed with Rysavy’s assessment and added his own statement to the report. “Access to additional spectrum is critical to meeting explosive consumer demand and maximizing opportunities for consumers and businesses. It takes years to bring spectrum to the market and the data shows we are already behind the curve. Now is the time for policymakers to move forward to address the growing wireless demand and ensure the right tools are in place to maintain the nation’s leading role in mobile innovation,” said Spalter.

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