WASHINGTON D.C. - Suggestions to have television broadcasters return a portion of their spectrum for re-allocation and auction have garnered strong reactions from broadcasters and those wanting spectrum for wireless broadband and data services.  Is the arrangement necessary to encourage growth in broadband penetration consistent with the goals of the Recovery Act?  How would such a deal be crafted?  Would compensation for broadcasters be adequate?  Will Congress go along with such a deal, or would it be blocked as contrary to "the public interest?" A group of policy experts and stakeholders will discuss these and other issues at "Let's Make a Deal:  Broadcasters, Mobile Broadband, and a Market in Spectrum," a Congressional Seminar hosted by The Progress & Freedom Foundation.

Speakers confirmed for the event are:

• Blair Levin, Executive Director, Omnibus Broadband Initiative, Federal Communications Commission
• Coleman Bazelon, Principal, The Brattle Group
• David Donovan, President, Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc.
• Paul Gallant, Senior Vice President, Washington Research Group
• John Hane, Counsel, Communications Practice Group, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
• Kostas Liopiros, Principal, The Sun Fire Group
• Adam Thierer (Moderator), President, The Progress & Freedom Foundation

"Let's Make a Deal:  Broadcasters, Mobile Broadband, and a Market in Spectrum," will be held Tuesday, December 1st from 9:00am to 11:00am in the Holeman Lounge, 13th Floor, at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW in Washington, DC.  Those interested in attending can register here.  Questions should be directed to Allison Bringardner at abringardner@pff.org or 202-289-8928. Media queries should be directed to Amy Smorodin asmorodin@pff.org.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.