In his Friday speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Julius Genachowski talked about the need for additional spectrum, as well as incentive auctions to accomplish the goal.

Noting that incentive auctions will enable TV broadcasters to sell unused spectrum which may be used for the purpose of mobile broadband, Genachowski said that, without additional spectrum, US global competitiveness will be at risk,.

Genachowski said that the country's success depends on having "a robust, vibrant, world-class digital infrastructure - wired and wireless."

With the FCC requiring the Congress' authorization to proceed with the auction, Genachowski said: "We could be in a position - if Congress asks - to auction this spectrum in the next year or two and put the spectrum on the market. That's the pace at which we need to move, given the incredible demand for spectrum."

Further adding that dire consequences will result from the government's inability to free up more spectrum for mobile broadband, Genachowski elaborated that, in such a scenario, consumers will have to make a tough choice between poor service and high prices.

Genachowski also reiterated that the core mission of the FCC was to take all possible measures to ensure that the country has an eco-system which is "competitive and conducive to the greatest possible innovation."