There was some good news for Dish Network. Genachowski said he expects the FCC later this year to lift restrictions that have prevented Dish from using 40MHz of satellite spectrum for a land-based LTE network. However, if it follows through on the H-Block auction that Sprint has been clamoring for, the agency will have to move Dish's spectrum up by 5MHz. Dish opposes that move because the current LTE standard lines up with the band it already has.

Charlie Ergen, the founder and chairman of the satellite-TV company, said Wednesday to get that change made at the 3GPP, the standards body that oversees LTE. However, this week Sprint told the FCC there is room for both carriers to get what they want if they cooperate, and that the LTE changes could take six months or less if they work together.

Genachowski also said he expects the FCC later this year to open up 30MHz of AT&T spectrum in the so-called Wireless Communications Service band for use with LTE.

Without giving any time frame, the FCC chief also noted his agency is "working with stakeholders" on allowing LTE in the "L band" historically reserved for satellites. That's where LightSquared has sought to deploy a controversial national LTE network. LightSquared, now bankrupt, had its earlier plans shot down by the FCC and recently that would include a spectrum swap with the government.

The moves Genachowski laid out on Thursday should help build up capacity and keep several competitive carriers supplied with spectrum, said analyst Tim Farrar of TMF Associates. But the planning and building of networks is yet to come, he cautioned.