Tech chief expects Obama to push spectrum bill in State of the Union

{mosads}Both chambers of Congress are currently considering legislation that would encourage television broadcasters to give up some of their airwaves for the government to auction to wireless carriers. The government would split some of the auction proceeds, which could total billions of dollars, with the broadcasters that choose to participate.

Wireless carriers want more spectrum to meet the growing data demands of smartphones and tablet computers. Tech companies are pushing for more unlicensed spectrum bands, which can be used by any company for free and power technologies such as Wi-Fi.

Garfield said he hopes Obama will “use the bully pulpit to make clear it’s a priority.” He acknowledged that it’s unlikely that Obama will discuss the nuances of spectrum policy, but he said the president should say he is “willing to work with Congress to find solutions to the outstanding issues.”

He also said Obama could give the spectrum bill “the kind of boost necessary to cross the finish line.”

Garfield said is “all but certain” that Obama will talk about comprehensive tax reform in the speech.

“The chances of him talking about it are very high,” he said. “The chances of anything actually happening are low, but not so low that it’s irrelevant.”

Garfield said tax reform should include lowering corporate taxes and giving tax breaks for research and development. He also said companies should be encouraged to bring their foreign profits back to the United States.

Garfield was also hopeful that the president will discuss immigration. 

Tech companies want to make it easier for high-skilled immigrants to work in the United States and for foreign entrepreneurs to launch start-ups in the country.

Cybersecurity legislation is another topic that could come up in the speech, Garfield said. He argued that the president is likely to discuss issues important to the tech community because the “sector is so foundational to inspiring economic growth for the broader economy.”

The president is scheduled to visit an Intel chip plant in Arizona on Wednesday, so the chances that he will discuss at least some tech issues seem high.

One issue that Garfield doesn’t expect the president to discuss is piracy.

“My sense was they wanted to give guidance and then put the issue behind them,” he said.