The Obama administration appears to have backed a recent plan by US regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that called for the freeing up of up to 500 MHz of spectrum for mobile services within the next ten years. AP News notes that President Barack Obama will sign a presidential memorandum today committing the federal government to auctioning off 500 megahertz of federal and commercial spectrum. Revenue from the auctions would be spent on public safety, infrastructure investments and deficit reduction. In an excerpt released by the White House, National Economic Council director Lawrence H. Summers said: “This initiative will catalyse private sector investment, contribute to economic growth and help to create hundreds of thousands of jobs.” Read the original FCC plan here.

The auction is intended, in part, to counter fears of a potential ‘spectrum crunch’ as smartphones and laptop computers become more popular and new wireless devices hit the market. Reuters cites estimates suggesting the next five years will see an increase in wireless data of between 20 to 45 times 2009 levels. The administration also hopes to encourage the spread of wireless broadband across the country, including rural areas.