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10/22/2004: "Bush .v Kerry on unlicensed spectrum"

I see nothing here about more unlicensed spectrum from Shrub. Bush will attempt to sell something he doesn't own.

What should the federal government do to encourage innovation and the broader use of wireless services that rely on unlicensed spectrum?

Bush response:
We need to open up more spectrum for public uses in order to make wireless broadband more accessible, reliable, and affordable. I have dramatically increased the amount of spectrum available for wireless service and identified 90 MHz of spectrum to be auctioned for advanced wireless services

My Administration has proposed several legislative changes and initiatives to improve the spectrum management process, including providing new authority to set user fees on unauctioned spectrum licenses. In addition, my Administration has pushed for legislation to create a Spectrum Relocation Fund to streamline the process for reimbursing government agencies that allocate from spectrum band with great commercial value. The legislation will not only give agencies a greater incentive to relocate but will also provide greater certainty to auction bidders.

I also established an aggressive Spectrum Policy Initiative to promote the development and implementation of a U.S. spectrum policy that will foster economic growth; ensure our national and homeland security; maintain U.S. global leadership in communications technology development and services; and satisfy other vital U.S. needs in areas such as public safety, scientific research, Federal transportation infrastructure, and law enforcement.

Kerry response:
The explosive growth of "WiFi" shows the benefits of making some spectrum available on an unlicensed basis. This could be particularly important for rural areas, since the cost of deploying these new services could be 3-4 times cheaper than existing wireless technologies - increasing competition with cable and telephone companies. In addition, I would make the regulatory changes that are needed to unleash new broadband networking technologies such as cognitive radio, mesh networks, ultra-wide band, and software-defined radio.