The House passed the Spectrum Innovation Act on Wednesday by a vote of 336-90. The measure extends the FCC’s auction authority to March 21, 2024. It also frees up more money for the FCC’s Rip and Replace reimbursement program and devotes a portion of the FCC’s auction proceeds to funding NextGen 911 upgrades.
In addition to up to 200 MHz of spectrum auctioned for mobile broadband, this bill will help usher in new, innovative, and flexible spectrum uses. That’s according to bill sponsors, Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and John Thune (R-SD) and U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Bob Latta (R-OH).
H.R. 7624 is on its way to the Senate. If it doesn’t pass the upper body, and is not signed into law by the President, the FCC will lose its authority to conduct spectrum auctions on September 30.
“The legislation would make available additional frequencies in the 3.1–3.45 gigahertz band for non-federal use, shared federal and non-federal use, or a combination thereof,” said House Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Mike Doyle (D-PA) following House passage.
“With the upcoming 2.5 GHz auction, Congress must act now to make sure that spectrum can be used to provide faster mobile connectivity across the United States,” said House Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH).
Industry praised the action.
Competitive Carriers Association President/CEO Steve Berry focused on the $3.08 billion the measure would earmark to fix the $3.08 billion shortfall in Rip and Replace, calling that money “critical.” The Spectrum Innovation Act will also “ensure that auction authority does not lapse and will help make at least 200 MHz of spectrum available for auction and maximize the use of mid-band spectrum. Making additional federal spectrum resources available for commercial use will provide significant benefits for the industry, the economy, and most importantly, consumers,” said Berry.
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, too praised lawmakers. “NATE members are on the front lines transforming these valuable spectrum airwaves into connectivity for enterprise and consumers,” said NATE President/CEO Todd Schlekeway. “This legislation will allow more industry access to valuable mid-band spectrum which equates to more deployment opportunities for NATE member companies and 5G connectivity for American citizens.”
The Wireless Infrastructure Association commended House passage and encouraged the Senate to swiftly follow suit. “Spectrum is the lifeblood of mobile communication and ensuring the availability of more spectrum will spur network advancements and benefit consumers,” said WIA SVP Government and Public Affairs Matt Mandel.
CTIA, too, commended the House for its quick action. “Authorizing and properly equipping the FCC to conduct auctions while filling our nation’s spectrum pipeline with key mid-band spectrum, is essential to fueling the rollout of robust 5G networks and protect America’s wireless leadership,” said CTIA SVP Government Affairs Kelly Cole.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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