Rubio To 'Prime That New Economy' With Spectrum Auctions, 'Des Moines Register' Board Says

Talk of wireless spectrum reallocation from GOP presidential contender Marco Rubio to the editorial board of the Des Moines Register earlier this month (see 1601070029) translated into the editorial board's mention of such spectrum policy when endorsing Rubio for the GOP nomination this week. “Rubio would prime that new economy by embracing innovation,” the editorial board said in its endorsement. “He would auction off portions of the wireless spectrum controlled by government, allowing freer flow of online traffic. He’d remove barriers to enable the next Uber to take off. He’d require a cost-benefit analysis of federal regulations.” Rubio, a Florida Republican senator on the Commerce Committee, had brought up his spectrum overhaul plans of his own volition when meeting with the board, which didn't follow up on the topic. The newspaper’s endorsement for the Democratic nomination -- former secretary of state Hillary Clinton -- didn’t mention telecom policy. The Iowa caucus, which kicks off the presidential primary season, is Monday.