United States: US Politicians propose plan to restore the FCC’s spectrum authority

Two US politicians have proposed a new spectrum pipeline legislation to restore the US Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority to hold spectrum auctions. This comes about a year after the US Senate allowed it to lapse for the first time ever. The proposal by senators Ted Cruz and John Thune seeks for the auction of spectrum in the band between 1.3GHz and 13.2GHz.

Cruz said in a statement this week: “To dominate in next-generation wireless technologies, stay ahead of our adversaries, and advance strong economic growth, the US must create a pipeline to expand commercial access to mid-band spectrum. The Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024 meets those goals while promoting both consumer and national security interests. I thank Sen. Thune for his partnership on this legislation and his year-long effort to ensure we got this right.”

Thune also noted: "Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless communications. 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 WiFi use, which is a win-win for American entrepreneurs and consumers."