Group backs calls for unlicensed spectrum

"Curtailing unlicensed uses of spectrum will result in the loss of a crucial platform for 'innovation without permission' as well as billions of dollars to the U.S. economy," the group said. "While deficit reduction is an important goal of any impending spectrum legislation, it must not be met by strangling the potential of Super WiFi."

Technologists have predicted the spectrum freed during the digital TV transition and approved for unlicensed use by the FCC could spawn new Super WiFi technology capable of covering an entire town. But House Republicans argue the government should not pay for airwaves just to give them away again for free.