WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today convened a panel titled, “Exploring the Value of Spectrum to the U.S. Economy.” The focus of the hearing was on the trends in spectrum demand, lessons learned from recent auctions, and the future of spectrum.

“As we all know, in today’s connected world, the demand for spectrum increases with new technology,” Wicker said. “Spectrum is the lifeblood of this connectivity, improving the lives of people around the globe.”

Wicker specifically asked the panel about how to address the demand for spectrum, and later touched on the regulatory burdens that stand in the way of innovation.

Wicker went on to discuss the Next Generation Television broadcast standard, questioning how this technology would deliver emergency alerts to Americans during times of natural disaster. The recent tornado in Hattiesburg was mentioned by Mr. LaPlatney as an example of when delivering these emergency services could have ultimately saved lives.

The following witnesses testified before the Committee:

• Mr. Scott Bergmann, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, CTIA 
• Mr. Roger Entner, Founder and Lead Analyst, Recon Analytics Inc.
• Mr. Dave Heiner, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Microsoft Corporation
• Mr. Pat LaPlatney, President and CEO, Raycom Media
• Mr. Tom Stroup, President, Satellite Industry Association