As the purported June 1 deadline approaches, we're all watching the negotiations over the debt ceiling extension to see whether Congress acts in time to avoid a default on the nation's debt. (I understand there are differences of opinion regarding what actually constitutes a "default" and how long one can be avoided. Nevertheless, both President Biden, Speaker McCarthy, and all other politicos agree they want to avoid one.)
While the consequences may not be as grave (at least for now) as a debt default, Congress's failure to renew the now-expired FCC authority to conduct spectrum auctions in a timely fashion threatens substantial adverse consequences. Among these are near-term potential sizable economic losses and a loss of recognized leadership among other nations in spectrum affairs, including the deployment of 5G networks and beyond, that ultimately impact U. S. consumers.
On May 23, a bipartisan group of 16 former FCC Commissioners, including 6 former permanent FCC Chairmen and two former interim Chairs, urged Congress to restore the FCC’s auction authority. On other significant communications policy issues, these former FCC leaders do not always agree. On extending the FCC's auction authority, there is unanimity.
Here is an excerpt from their letter.
"Failure to renew the FCC’s spectrum auction authority augurs troubling consequences. With greenfield spectrum difficult to identify, spectrum auction authority is a critical building block in the complex and time-consuming process to reallocate spectrum to new uses. Auction proceeds can fund government agencies to relocate bands with upgraded systems, helping to maintain U.S. global leadership in the wireless ecosystem. Delay in renewing auction authority risks ceding a global competitive advantage to other countries, particularly China, which has been aggressively making spectrum available for 5G and investing in next-generation wireless technologies to capture global markets. This all at a time when our national security and global economic leadership are increasingly at risk from hostile nations."
That should be enough said. It's past time for Congress to act.
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