UPDATE President Joe Biden signed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-LA’s) 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (SALE) Act into law. The legislation temporarily restores the FCC’s auction authority for 90 days so the agency can release previously auctioned spectrum to expand 5G broadband access to rural communities. The action means T-Mobile and other winning bidders will receive the licenses they bought in the 2.5 GHz band auction last year.
“My 5G SALE Act will provide crucial broadband access by giving the FCC the authority to finish transferring previously auctioned spectrum to companies that offer 5G coverage. I’m grateful to see my bill signed into law so that more Americans have the tools they need to do their jobs and grow their businesses,” said Kennedy.
WIA President/CEO Patrick Halley was pleased the President signed the bill. “While I appreciate that the rightful winners of the 2.5 GHz licenses will no longer be held hostage, it’s imperative that Congress restore the FCC’s auction authority with a long-term reauthorization. Anything less will continue to hamper the advancement of America’s mobile communications and put us in the competitive backseat against China and other global competitors,” stated Halley.
Inside Towers reported the House passed the measure earlier this month. The Senate passed it in September.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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