Minority group says spectrum is a civil-rights issue

The shortage of spectrum for wireless communications disproportionately affects low-income and minority Americans, according to the Minority Media and Telecom Council.

The group issued a statement on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day, noting African-Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely than whites to rely on mobile devices as their primary connection to the Internet.

"Taking away fast, inexpensive and reliable wireless would be taking away the best chance people of color have had in decades to attain first class citizenship," the group said, arguing the solution is for Congress to approve incentive auctions of spectrum currently held by broadcasters.

The group argues the need for additional airwaves is too pressing for the Federal Communications Commission to proceed at its usual deliberate pace with regard to rulemaking.

"[W]e don’t have any more time. None. The nation needs spectrum incentive auctions now, without delay, or we will start running out of spectrum next year," the group said.

"Congress needs to act rapidly and comprehensively to adopt spectrum auctions. By doing so, Congress will deliver the nation a civil rights victory of profound magnitude, at a time when the nation badly needs one."

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