The Federal Communications Commission is asking for public feedback in a row over the allocation of airwave frequencies. Its chief Julius Genachowski (pictured) has already backed the view that wireless internet providers could make more efficient use of some frequencies currently held by TV broadcasters.

The argument for the reallocation is based on the view that broadcasters control far more frequencies than they really need, with one study suggesting they use just 20 per cent of their allocated frequencies. As these low frequencies mean signals can travel further and suffer less degradation from barriers such as walls, they’d be particularly suitable for 4G wireless internet and could reduce the number of relay towers needed for wireless broadband services.

As you’d imagine, broadcasters aren’t so keen on the idea, with some even arguing that reallocating frequencies could threaten their ability to provide free over-the-air services, particularly with HD broadcasts on the rise. There are also claims that some of the “unused” frequencies have been earmarked for future broadcasting developments such as making a serious go of broadcasting TV signals to dedicated mobile devices.

Blair Levin, who is developing a national broadband plan for the FCC, revealed that he’s discussed financial incentives for broadcasters, namely “whether there could be a market-clearing solution that allowed them to monetize their extra spectrum, while allowing us to maximize the public good… We want the country to use most effectively one of its most valuable resources, while increasing atonality of those broadcasters who recognize that they’re not maximizing returns for their shareholders.”

The FCC consultation (PDF link) asks for feedback on a number of issues including the principle of reallocating frequencies, ways in which broadcasters can trade existing channel space to avoid redundancy, and how well the broadcasters are using their airspace at the moment. The consultation also specifically asks what the effects would be if the number or availability of free over-the-air channels was indeed reduced.