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Washington, DC– Congressman Guthrie and Congresswoman Matsui, co-chairs of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Spectrum Working Group, introduced bipartisan legislation to reallocate federal spectrum.

The Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act would reallocate and auction the 1755-1780 MHz spectrum block.

The demand for spectrum has skyrocketed in recent years. A report by Cisco shows that by 2016, 74 percent of mobile users (214 million people) will generate more than one gigabyte of mobile data traffic per month. To contrast, in 2011, only four percent of mobile users generated one gigabyte of mobile data traffic. To meet that demand, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Plan called for 500 MHz of new commercial spectrum in 10 years.

“Studies estimate that 40 percent of smartphone owners use the Internet before getting out of bed in the morning and consumers are constantly looking for the next technological advancement,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “To meet the demands of an ever-growing and advancing society, we must be more efficient when it comes to the use of spectrum, but we also must find ways to free up additional spectrum for commercial use.  

“Our bill relocates the federal agencies currently in the 1755-1780 band and frees up that critical spectrum for auction. Relocation won’t always be possible, so our bill allows spectrum sharing in geographic areas where the president deems it necessary in order to protect all essential military capability.  I am proud to work with Congresswoman Matsui on this bipartisan legislation that benefits both consumers and taxpayers.”

“We are faced with a spectrum crunch in our country and consumers continue to demand the latest smartphones, tablets, and devices.  There is no doubt the future of American innovation and economic growth requires a smart and sound spectrum policy,” said Congresswoman Matsui.  “This bipartisan legislation demonstrates the need to act swiftly to reallocate the 1755-1780MHz band. The clock continues to tick on the AWS-3 auction, and I believe pairing it with the 1755-1780 MHz band presents our nation with a rare opportunity to spur American innovation and economic growth in the 21st Century.  This legislation also seeks to provide the necessary and responsible safeguards for DoD and other federal agencies to relocate, if necessary, by following the recommendations set forth in the March 2012 NTIA Report. Additionally, the proceeds from the auction will go as a ‘down-payment’ towards building out our nation’s public safety interoperability network.  I’m pleased to work with my colleague Congressman Guthrie on this bipartisan bill that is a win-win for consumers, and for American innovation.”