Senators Ted Cruz and John Thune unveiled legislation to allow the auctioning off of government-owned mid-band spectrum to companies for use in 5G expansion.
Ahead of the expiration of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) spectrum auction authority last March, the senators released a statement on the Spectrum Pipeline Act, saying they are “committing to developing a spectrum proposal that achieves the greatest value possible for American taxpayers while protecting our national security interests.”
Companies require radio spectrum to provide high-quality wireless service to consumers. Mid-band spectrum is particularly valuable, given its unique properties. The Spectrum Pipeline Act would significantly increase commercial access to mid-band spectrum.
“Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless communications,” said Sen. Thune. “This legislation restores the FCC’s auction authority, and, in doing so, it ensures that crucial mid-band spectrum is made available for commercial 5G and advanced Wi-Fi use, which is a win-win for American entrepreneurs and consumers. I look forward to working with Senator Cruz and my other colleagues to advance this important and much-needed legislation.”
What's in the bill?
The Spectrum Pipeline Act is outlined in the statement as follows:
- Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to identify at least 2,500 megahertz of mid-band spectrum that can be reallocated from Federal use to non-Federal or shared use in the next 5 years (including at least 1,250 megahertz in the next 2 years).
- Renews the FCC’s auction authority, which expired in March 2023, and requires the FCC to auction at least 1,250 megahertz of spectrum for full-power commercial wireless services, including 5G, within 6 years (including at least 600 megahertz within 3 years).
- Expands the United States’ role by requiring the FCC to allocate at least 125 megahertz of additional spectrum for unlicensed services.
- Provides further opportunity in the remaining 1,125 megahertz of remaining spectrum identified by NTIA for commercial services.
- Requires the FCC and NTIA to submit to Congress annual progress reports as well as reports within 60 days of each identification made by NTIA.
- Removes a limitation in current law to allow federal agencies to purchase new equipment using spectrum auction proceeds.
To read the full text of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024, click HERE.