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Why not go completely unlicensed?

  • Sufficient unlicensed spectrum is already available for consumer devices; additional spectrum (e.g. TV "whitespace") is best used for wireless broadband and other unmet needs

  • Licensing provides contact information in the event of malfunctions that cause interference (or if equipment is intentionally rigged to break the "rules of the road")

  • License can be revoked if a provider willfully interferes with competitors or otherwise breaches rules, providing an avenue of recourse against violators

  • Licensing eases gathering of statistics (e.g. FCC Form 477) to ensure that policies are working

  • Licensing provides identification in case of interference on spectrum shared with military or satellite systems (e.g.  the 3650 MHz band), allowing use of frequencies which might otherwise need to remain off limits for broadband