The US government has announced plans to nearly double the wireless communications spectrum in the next ten years to encourage the spread of wireless broadband, including access in rural areas.
The plan is aimed at keeping up with the growing demand for high-speed video and data transmission to mobile phones, laptops and other mobile devices, according to US reports.
President Barack Obama is to sign a presidential memorandum committing the federal government to auctioning off 500MHz of federal and commercial spectrum.
The initiative is expected to act as a catalyst for private sector investment, contribute to economic growth and create jobs, according to a statement by National Economic Council director Lawrence Summers.
Warwick Ashford, Computer Weekly