Cable's Wi-Fi dreams need a push: NCTA: group backs effort to let FCC free up unlicensed spectrum.(RULES)(National Cable and Telecommunications Association)(Federal Communications Commission)

Washington -- Advocates for unlicensed wireless spectrum have stepped up their push for the Federal Communications Commission to free up more reclaimed broadcast bandwidth for unlicensed use.

That effort would come in handy for cable operators expanding their Wi-Fi footprints as a value-added feature for broadband customers.

The push comes at an opportune time: Congress is wrestling with a Republican-backed House version of incentive auction legislation in a payroll tax extension package, or absent that as a standalone bill, that would limit the ability of the FCC to free up more of that unlicensed spectrum.

Among those put ting in a plug for more unlicensed wireless spectrum has been National Cable & Telecommunications Association executive vice president lames Assey, who appeared at two forums over the past three weeks to talk up the technology.

The NCTA …