Amont the first recommendations offered to Congress the FCC is starting with USF reform, mobile data roaming, set-top-box reform and cybersecurity. The agency plans to implement more than 40 policy proposals from its plan.

The number of broadcast viewers has risen over recent years with the digital transition bringing more channels to many areas and the overall awareness being raised through last year’s transition and advertising campaigns. With the inevitable on-set of Mobile Digital Television (MDTV) broadcasters see additional revenue models through use of the spectrum.

Wireless broadband advocates argue that the smartphone and tablet explosion will require more bandwidth than is currently available and the spectrum will help alleviate some of the traffic concerns.

“I think it’s a false choice to think it has to be either broadband or broadcasting,” said NAB executive vice president Dennis Wharton. “[Broadcast] is a one-to-everyone transmission system as opposed to a one-to-one transmission system as used by the internet and cellphone providers … We are much more spectrum-efficient than are other communications providers.”

The FCC’s proposal would require broadcasters to return the 120 MHz spectrum to the government so it can be auctioned off for broadband use. Broadcasters say this would limit channels available in many areas often eliminating say niche programming such as foreign-language and religious channels.

Wharton also claims Verizon and AT&T haven’t yet deployed any of the 108 MHz of wireless spectrum gained during the last year’s digital transition, which required broadcasters to reduce channels from 2 – 69 to 2 – 51. “Now we’re being asked to return more spectrum to the government, and we think there’s a way to work with government to maybe accomplish the goals that they are seeking without threatening all the television stations throughout the country,” said Wharton.

“Live, breaking news is consistently a top performer on the FLO TV service, as people strive to stay connected to the world around them,” said Jonathan Barzilay, senior vice president of programming and advertising at FLO TV.  ”Adding CNN Mobile to additional devices with our service is a natural fit and keeps our subscribers connected to news and analysis anytime, anywhere.”

Live coverage of top U.S., world, political, health and entertainment news will be available to FLO TV subscribers through a dedicated 24/7 CNN Mobile channel, which showcases popular programming from CNN/US, CNN International and HLN – including Anderson Cooper 360, Larry King Live , Amanpour, Backstory and Morning Express with Robin Meade.  

The FLO TV service is currently available on multiple platforms, including the recently launched FLO TV Personal Television, the first-ever portable digital television with a dedicated network. In collaboration with Audiovox, FLO TV also offers FLO TV Auto Entertainment, an in-vehicle entertainment system that delivers high-quality mobile TV.  Additionally, iPhone™ and iPod touch™ users will soon be able to view FLO TV’s live mobile TV service at the flip of a switch with the mophie™ juicepack TV.