Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Ranking Member of the same committee, sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump on Mar. 9 urging coordinated action across federal agencies ahead of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) in Shanghai, China.
The lawmakers said that clear and unified national positions are needed as participants at WRC-27 will make decisions affecting spectrum bands and technical rules for next-generation communications technology, including 6G. They emphasized the importance of coordination among federal agencies and with the private sector to ensure effective U.S. advocacy at the conference.
"We appreciate that, despite the location and the inevitable challenges that come with it, your Administration recognizes that the United States should remain an active participant in this conference. Participants will make key decisions that will establish the spectrum bands and technical rules for next-generation communications technology, including 6G, for the satellite and commercial mobile radio industries," Guthrie and Pallone wrote in their letter.
They continued: "To ensure our best opportunity for success at WRC-27, it is essential that our nation coordinates across all federal agencies and with the private sector to establish clear, unified positions for WRC-27." The letter also warned: "Failing to establish clear national positions on these matters risks undercutting our own advocacy and giving the PRC the upper hand."
According to background information provided by Guthrie and Pallone, under Chinese Communist Party leadership, China has advanced its efforts to surpass the United States as a global technology leader through subsidies and alleged technology theft in various sectors including communications technologies.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which will host WRC-27, is responsible for international coordination of communications services such as global spectrum allocations and satellite orbits. The ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference later this year will oversee elections for several key positions within its organization.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee addresses legislation related to energy policy, health care, environmental protection, telecommunications, and consumer issues according to its official website. The committee has played a role in shaping policies on energy innovation, broadband deployment, and pharmaceutical pricing according to its official website. It is one of the oldest standing committees in Congress according to its official website, tracing its origins back to 1795 when it was established as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures according to its official website.
