Policy Resolution TST-16-14

ENCOURAGING THE DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM TO SUPPORT INCREASED MOBILE TECHNOLOGY USAGE
Telecommunications, Science, and Technology (TST) Committee

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes the importance of wireless technology as a gateway to bridge the digital divide, foster economic inclusion, and enhance the quality of life in African American communities;

WHEREAS, in 2015 the Pew Research Center found that African Americans rely heavily on mobile technology with 92 percent of African Americans owning a cell phone, and 56 percent owning a smart phone.  Additionally, 74 percent rely on wireless for Internet access, 61 percent use wireless for online banking, 67 percent use wireless to look up health information, and 45 percent use wireless for government services and information;

WHEREAS, in 2015 Nielsen found that African Americans used the most Mobile Applications (APPS) per month (30.3) and spent the most time (43 hours) using them; Hispanics spent 41 hours and 31 minutes across an average of 27.9 apps per month, and White non-Hispanic users spent 35 hours and 25 minutes and used 25.9 apps per month;

WHEREAS, the app economy has produced 752,000 jobs and more than 78 percent of U.S. mobile app companies are small businesses;

WHEREAS, spectrum, the invisible infrastructure of electromagnetic airwaves used to transfer information wirelessly is a finite resource and increased demand has caused available spectrum to be in short supply in many large metropolitan areas;

WHEREAS, according to a June 2015 report released by CTIA-The Wireless Association, Substantial Licensed Spectrum Deficit (2015-2019): Updating the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Mobile Data Demand Projections, mobile data demand is expected to increase substantially over the next four years and outpace the current supply of spectrum;

WHEREAS, Congress has traditionally recognized the need for additional spectrum for commercial use and more efficient spectrum use by federal users;

WHEREAS, following the 2016 auction of commercial TV spectrum, there will be no additional spectrum available for the FCC to auction;

WHEREAS, the federal government still has sole or primary use of almost 70% of the spectrum best suited for broadband technologies; and

WHEREAS, the process to identify and bring more spectrum to the market takes more than a decade.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) calls upon the Congress of the United States to enact legislation now that would reallocate government-held wireless spectrum for commercial use to meet the wireless needs of all Americans;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL believes that some of the proceeds to the United States Treasury from these auctions should be used to help close the digital divide and bring all Americans online; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NBCSL shall send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States Congress and the commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission.

  • SPONSOR: Delegate Michael L. Vaughn (MD)
  • Committee of Jurisdiction: Telecommunications, Science, and Technology Policy Committee
  • Certified by Committee Co-Chairs: Delegate Michael Vaughn (MD) and Senator Anastasia Pittman (OK)
  • Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 4, 2015
  • Ratification is certified by: Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), President