Cable industry pushes back on charges of spectrum hoarding

Assey argued firms that purchase spectrum at auction and hold licenses are in compliance with the FCC’s requirements and therefore not engaged in anything untoward. He noted that unlike the broadcasters, the wireless industry has had to pay billions of dollars to purchase their spectrum.

“NAB’s implied suggestion that the government — rather than even consider requiring greater efficiency from the broadcasters — should instead reclaim spectrum purchased at auction for billions of dollars and currently in full compliance with FCC rules, is patently absurd,” Assey said.

The NCTA sent the letter to Senate Commerce Committee chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), ranking member Kay Bailey Hutchison (D-Texas), House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and ranking member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).