Regarding
the introduction of the proposed “Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024” by
Senators Ted Cruz and John Thune, the following statement may be
attributed to Free State Foundation President Randolph May:
“While
the Free State Foundation doesn’t support or oppose specific
legislation, I applaud Senators Cruz and Thune for introducing their
spectrum bill. It has important features that, if adopted, will help
ensure the United States does not lose its leadership position in
wireless, especially in 5G. Today, spectrum is a key part of the
nation’s broadband infrastructure — just like cables and wires. The
Cruz-Thune bill would reestablish the FCC’s lapsed auction authority,
and it would require that a considerable amount of mid-band spectrum be
reallocated for commercial use and be made available by specific dates.
The pipeline established would include a much-needed supply of licensed
spectrum, while not ignoring the need for more unlicensed spectrum,
which also is an increasingly important part of the broadband
infrastructure.
No
doubt there may be different views regarding the specific dates and
amounts identified for reallocation contained in the bill. But there
should be widespread agreement that it provides a good basis for moving
forward promptly to develop a bipartisan, bicameral plan to address the nation’s now-lagging spectrum efforts."
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