The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to pass two bills to strengthen communications networks and improve public health data. The measures now go to the Senate. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced H.R. 2501, the “Spectrum Coordination Act.” It would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the FCC to update their two-decade-old memorandum of understanding on spectrum coordination.
According to the text, the legislation is meant to “(1) improve the process for resolving frequency allocation disputes in shared or adjacent spectrum bands, (2) ensure the efficient use of spectrum, and (3) establish reasonable timelines for information exchanges between the Administration and the Commission.” The House passed the measure by a vote of 418 to 6.
Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced H.R. 1218, the “Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act.” The bill would require the FCC to integrate data related to maternal mortality and morbidity into the agency’s broadband health mapping platform. The aim is to better understand “how access to broadband can improve our country’s response to maternal challenges and, ultimately, save mothers’ lives,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA). The House passed the bill by a vote of 409 to 11.
House Commerce Committee Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communication and Technology Subcommittee Ranking member Bob Latta (R-OH) said: “Securing American leadership in next generation communications technology is essential to winning the future. The bipartisan bills will enhance interagency spectrum coordination, as well as improve our existing broadband health mapping tools by incorporating public data on maternal health.”
The telecom industry reacted positively to the votes, and specifically to the Spectrum Coordination Act. “Our technology has advanced significantly since the memorandum of understanding was agreed upon in 2003, and given the historical investments in broadband infrastructure and the possibility of more spectrum auctions, it’s imperative that our federal agencies are closely aligned and working as effectively as possible,” said NATE Director of Government Relations Todd Washam.
Competitive Carriers Association President/CEO Steve Berry said, “Spectrum coordination between the FCC and NTIA is extremely important to ensure disputes are addressed well before spectrum is designated for commercial use.”
“With the deployment of 5G and future generations, it is crucial that government agencies coordinate closely so we can continue to lead the world in wireless innovation,” WIA SVP Government and Public Affairs Matt Mandel.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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