Rep. Latta introduces spectrum bill

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) introduced a bill last week that would give the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum-auction authority. 

The bill would allow the FCC to offer incentives to TV broadcasters to give up their spectrum holdings. The FCC would auction off those airwaves to mobile broadband companies, raising revenue for the Treasury. The administration wants some of the money to go toward R&D spending and a public safety network. 

"In order to meet tomorrow’s high volume of mobile data, it is imperative we allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct voluntary incentive auctions. Passing this measure would permit the wireless broadband industry to grow, increasing U.S. jobs, productivity and innovation," Latta said in a statement.

Latta is a member of the Energy and Commerce Communications subcommittee, which oversees telecom issues.