WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) react to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) C-band auction order.
“The U.S. must win the race to 5G. It’s simple: either we lead the way, bring along other like-minded countries, and write the rules on advanced technologies, or we have them dictated to us by China. We know that only the first option will be written with free-market principles in mind. I’m encouraged Chairman Pai and the FCC share this mindset and I commend their progress on the C-band auction order.
“The keys to unlocking 5G are to get spectrum to the market quickly, reduce regulatory barriers, and create incentives for groups to build the technology out. This C-band auction order is important progress toward making critical mid-band spectrum available for 5G services. The FCC’s action today will help ensure that the United States continues to lead China in technology development and innovation."
Background: As has been recently reported, Republican Leader Walden has been in discussions with Chairman Doyle about bipartisan legislation to ensure that this critical mid-band spectrum is made available to carriers as quickly as possible to deploy 5G. While the FCC does not need legislative authority to hold the auction, Congress must act in order to direct proceeds from the auction to fund federal priorities that will improve the lives of many Americans-like rural broadband.
The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over the FCC.
