Broadcast Signals for Sale

(Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Authorized by Congress to conduct incentive auctions, the Federal Communications Commission last week  adopted a Proposed Notice of Rulemaking with an eye toward boosting wireless broadband services such as 4G LTE and Wi-Fi networks.

The FCC is targeting underused broadcast signals, such as those re-carried by pay tv systems. The idea, according to an FCC press release, is to enable broadcasters to "cash out" via an auction and allow mobile access cellular build-outs and expansion of Wi-Fi by companies snatching up the broadcast spectrum signals.

The hope is that the broadband expansion will spark economic growth.