It's no secret that the Obama administration has had its eye on expanding broadband in the US. Everything from the economic stimulus to FCC spectrum policy has aimed to bring faster internet speeds to more people.

This week, the White House is reportedly planning to roll out a new push to expand the amount of spectrum available for use by wireless broadband networks. While the spectrum has recently been expanded by the transition to digital TV, the new plan will seek to expand the available spectrum two-fold.

Where will this spectrum space come from? The administration has said that it will look to snap up surplus space from the broadcast television and satellite communications areas, both public and private.

Once the extra broadband spectrum has been secured (500MHz is the goal), the space will then be auctioned off with the proceeds used to fund further economic recovery plans.

It will be interesting to see not only how the administration enacts the plan, but also how the telcos and wireless providers who have thus far fought White House efforts tooth and nail will be willing to cooperate in a system that could give them valuable wireless broadband spectrum space.

29 Jun 2010