The Consumer Electronics Association is launching a new effort to educate people about America's "spectrum crunch" and how it's threatening tech innovation. The spectrum refers to the bandwidth, or airwaves, that make iPads, smartphones and other technology operate wirelessly.
But, according to the CEA, today's public policies are doing little to support innovation in America, which is leading to the spectrum crunch and stifling future wireless broadband innovations.
On Thursday morning, 9NEWS spoke to Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the CEA on its new Declaration of Innovation. According to Shapiro, broadcasters aren't using all of their spectrum - or in some opinions, using it unwisely with infomercials and reruns. It's been suggested they auction off their unused spectrum to the government. Those proceeds would then go towards the deficit, and in turn that spectrum would be available for private entities to expand our available commercial wireless spectrum.
All this is especially important since the FCC forecasts a 35% increase in mobile broadband traffic over the next five years.
In addition, Shapiro says the best way to secure America's economic future is to rediscover its innovative past. In anticipation of the upcoming July 4th holiday, CEA's Innovation Movement is asking all Americans to sign the Declaration of Innovation to help ensure that America's cities have the technological bandwidth it needs to stay connected, that our nation has the policies in place to remain competitive, and that our children have the tools to compete in a global marketplace.
For more information, check out www.DeclareInnovation.com.
(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)