The House Commerce Committee voted 52-0 to approve the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022. The amended bill extends the FCC spectrum auction authority and provides guidance on auctioning more mid-band spectrum mandated by the Infrastructure Law. It would direct up to $3.4 billion in auction proceeds to fund Rip & Replace, to reimburse small rural carriers for removing untrusted Huawei and ZTE gear from their communications networks. The measure now goes to the full House.
“My amendment will use the proceeds from this spectrum auction to fully fund the FCC reimbursement program to allow carriers to complete their important work to enhance our national security,” said Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) during yesterday’s committee markup session. “The legislation will provide certainty to the auction of the lower 3 GHz band, as well as the upcoming auction of the 2.5 GHz band by extending the FCC’s spectrum auction authority for 18 months.” Continue Reading
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) said the amendment provides a framework for funding some of the country’s most pressing needs. Speaking specifically of Rip & Replace, she said: “Congress voted to replace all — not some — of this equipment.”
House members recently pushed for more funding for the Rip & Replace reimbursement program after FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel alerted lawmakers of a $3.4 billion shortfall between the amount of money sought by carriers and the $1.9 billion allotted by Congress.
Rip & Replace is an issue central to the Competitive Carriers Association, which lobbies for several small, rural carriers. CCA President/CEO Steve Berry said of the markup: “This significant legislation could now fully fund the program, which is critical for affected carriers. I also applaud efforts to ensure that spectrum auction authority will not lapse. Consumers, especially those in rural areas, will benefit greatly.”
Auction Money for NG911
In addition to using proceeds from the spectrum auction to replace untrusted IT equipment, Latta’s amendment approved by the committee also would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create a grant program to help transition to Next-Generation 911 services. Specifically, the amendment would allow up to $10 billion of spectrum auction proceeds to go toward modernizing the nation’s 911 infrastructure.
Full Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said, “In my opinion, [the $10 billion] should be considered an initial down payment for NG911.” NG911 will allow call centers to accept texts, pictures and videos from individuals at the scene of an emergency.
Anna Eshoo (D-CA) is one of the lawmakers that has been working on making first responder communications interoperable since 9/11. She said: “NG911 means if someone breaks into your home you don’t need to call 911. You can text 911 and sit in silence without alerting the intruder.”
Free Up Additional Mid-Band Spectrum
The bill would also make available additional frequencies in the 3.1-3.45 GHz band for non-federal use, shared federal and non-federal use, or a combination.
Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said, “This is the only measure in Congress to extend the FCC’s auction authority. We will work with colleagues to ensure this is budget-neutral when it reaches the floor.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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