President Joe Biden has signed the 5G SALE Act, granting temporary authority to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to process the transfer of 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses won by T-Mobile US. The FCC’s statutory authority to auction licenses expired in March 2023, causing a halt in auction-related activities. This prevented T-Mobile US from accessing the licenses it acquired in the fall of 2022, totaling over 7,100 licenses valued at $304 million.
By signing the 5G SALE Act, the FCC can now process license transfer requests to T-Mobile US. However, it is important to note that this authorization does not fully restore the FCC’s auction authority, which various stakeholders have called for since its expiration.
Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), expressed gratitude that the rightful winners of the 2.5 GHz licenses will no longer be held hostage. However, he emphasized the need for Congress to restore the FCC’s auction authority through long-term reauthorization. Halley believes that anything less would hinder the development of American mobile communications and put the country at a disadvantage against global players like China.
Restoring the FCC’s auction authority would enable the regulator to effectively manage and allocate spectrum to meet the growing demands of the mobile communication industry. It would also facilitate a fair and transparent license acquisition process, encouraging innovation and competition in the market.
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve and expand, it is crucial for Congress to take necessary steps to ensure that the FCC has the essential authority to facilitate the development of robust and reliable mobile networks. This benefits not only companies like T-Mobile US but also ensures that consumers have access to advanced and seamless mobile services that drive technological progress.
FAQ:
Q: What are the FCC’s authorities regarding 5G spectrum licenses?
A: The FCC has authorities to manage, allocate, and auction 5G spectrum licenses in the United States.
Q: Why did the FCC lose its auction authority for spectrum licenses?
A: The FCC’s statutory auction authority expired in March 2023, leading to a halt in auction-related activities.
Source: [domain.com]
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