Reuters reports:

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday proposed halving the minimum opening bid on a piece of valuable wireless spectrum, but several commissioners expressed doubt that the plan would work, after an earlier auction failed to attract industry interest.

The five-member FCC approved a plan devised by agency Chairman Kevin Martin, cutting to $750 million a prior $1.3 billion minimum bid and easing other requirements.

I’ve posted previously on the wireless opportunities still forthcoming which will aid the digital signage industry going forward. The work Google is doing to expand the internet to literally everyone, is a big push forward in this. The article further states:

The aim is to lure interest in the airwaves, which come with a requirement to partner with public safety agencies during emergencies. The airwaves are being vacated as television broadcasters move to digital signals early next year.

Because such signals can go extremely long distances and penetrate thick walls, the move is a sure fit for any type of industry who needs connectivity to any type of device. It looks like the FCC wants to get the spectrum out there more quickly and make use of the space rather than increase revenues, they’ve dropped the minimum bid.

The question is, what will this do for out-of-home digital signage going forward. In my mind, I see a very large opportunity for digital signage companies to capitalize on a connectivity option.

Original Reuters Article

Nate Nead