White House pushes new wireless initiative to spur innovation

The Obama administration views wireless technology as an important factor in America’s future, according to yesterday’s speech by President Obama in Marquette, Michigan. So important that the government is rolling out a new plan designed to expand and enhance wireless capabilities across the United States.

The National Wireless Initiative, as laid out in this video featuring Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, is a three-part plan that includes: auctioning off 500 MHz of airwaves; offering incentives for companies that add to the wireless network; and the Wireless Innovation Fund, which will provide money to scientists working on developing a stronger, more secure wireless infrastructure.

Goolsbee supported the government’s plan, saying, “Many people believe the next round of the internet revolution is going to be on wireless.” He pointed to the more than 12 billion apps downloaded to mobile devices and 80,000 companies making money in the downloadable app space as evidence, humorously adding, “I understand there are even two kid millionaires in Finland selling games about angry birds!”

Some critics, however, worry the plan places a disproportionate focus on aiding corporate entities that may not require it.

S. Derek Turner, the Research Director at non-profit media reform advocacy site FreePress.net, said in response to the news: “While we are pleased to see the president focusing on our nation’s broadband challenges, we are concerned that the public interest is being overlooked in this proposal to sell more of our public airwaves to wireless companies like AT&T and Verizon,” adding, “These industry giants are already building out their networks and expanding coverage, and they don’t need a handout from the federal government to achieve the president’s goals.”

One company mentioned by Turner offered more supportive words for the initiative.

“President Obama has outlined a comprehensive and aggressive plan that lays the groundwork for bringing wireless broadband to all Americans,” said John Donovan, AT&Ts Chief Technology Officer. “AT&T applauds the Administration’s support for the role that industry and private investment play in making this important goal a reality.”