Obama administration backs FCC's spectrum plan

President Obama signed a memorandum committing the United States to freeing up 500 MHz of wireless spectrum over the next 10 years, a key recommendation of the FCC's national broadband plan. The order lends momentum to the FCC's push for more spectrum auctions, including of some broadcast TV spectrum and the D Block of the 700 MHz band. The order also directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to identify spectrum in federal hands that can be made available within five years for exclusive or shared use by commercial companies. Article