Time of San Diego - Issa, Bi-Partisan Group Introduce "Wi-Fi Innovation Act'

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By Chris Jennewein

Rep. Darrell Issa and a bi-partisan group of three other members of Congress introduced legislation Thursday to improve allocation of the radio-frequency spectrum used for wi-fi, Bluetooth and similar technologies.

Issa joined Bob Latta (R-OH), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) in introducing the bill, which directs the Federal Communications Commission to conduct tests within the 5 GHz spectrum band to determine if it can be shared without interfering with current uses, especially vehicle-safety applications.

The bill is supported by cable television operators, which are using wi-fi to expand service areas, but automakers are concerned that growing use of the 5 GHz band will interfere with new collision-avoidance technologies.

"From personal communication to transportation, healthcare and beyond, wireless technologies are changing and improving our lives," said Issa. "The Wi-Fi Innovation Act will make available the spectrum necessary to support the best new inventions and the jobs and prosperity these new discoveries will foster. I applaud the bipartisan work."

He noted that Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are pushing a companion bill through the Senate.

"For three decades unlicensed spectrum has been the invisible backbone to myriad wireless technologies, ranging from wi-fi and Bluetooth to garage doors and cordless phones. But in order to unlock the next generation of wireless technology we need to optimize our finite amount of available spectrum," said Eshoo.

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