Stopgap Extension of FCC Spectrum Auction Authority Passes U.S. House

On February 27, the U.S. House of Representatives H.R. 1108, a bill that would extend until May 19 of this year the FCC's statutory authority to conduct competitive bidding auctions for spectrum licenses and to issue licenses. Currently, the Commission's authority is set to expire on March 9. H.R. 1108 passed the House on a voice vote.

Free State Foundation Senior Fellow Andrew Long wrote about the economic and national security importance for the U.S. to be global 5G leader in his February 23 Perspectives from FSF Scholars "Extending FCC Spectrum Auction Authority Is Essential to the 5G Race."

 

The House and bill sponsor Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers deserve credit for the passage of H.R. 1108. Hopefully, the Senate will do its part to advance H.R. 1108 or similar legislation and extend the Commission's spectrum auctioning and licensing authority. And Congress should use the intervening time to pass a long-term extension of that authority.