Spectrum for Unlicensed Broadband Needed, Senate Commerce Told
Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., said states like hers are closing the digital divide. Government needs to find a way to clear spectrum of DOD and other incumbents, while safeguarding government communications, she said at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing Wednesday.
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The U.S. needs more incentives to get agencies to use spectrum more efficiently, testified FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, saying the U.S. can’t lead the world on 5G without more mid-band spectrum. Commissioner Mike O’Rielly said the FCC also must make the 5.9 and 6 GHz bands available for unlicensed use since the bands available now are becoming “saturated.” He stressed the importance of wireless power. With many billions of "additional wireless devices expected to be deployed over the next few years, be it smartphones, IoT sensors, automated equipment and the like, providing sustainable and reliable power will be a challenge," he said.
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said the FCC needs to do more to pay for broadband in rural areas. Tester complained the FCC still hasn’t held the long promised Mobility Fund Phase II auction. “Folks in rural America and rural Montana have waited for years for the Mobility Fund to get out the door and … it never happened,” he said. Rural America is already “kind of behind the curve anyway,” he said. “It’s crazy that we do not have better service.”
Chairman Ajit Pai announced in late 2018 the agency is investigating if top wireless carriers submitted incorrect coverage maps in violation of MF-II rules (see 1812070048). The FCC is also looking at the accuracy of carriers’ coverage maps. O’Rielly said the FCC plans an NPRM on the maps.
“Push the chairman,” Tester told the two commissioners. “If we need to push the chairman, come to this committee.”
Other tech items also surfaced. They included cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
“From the earliest days of the Trump administration, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has recognized the profound importance of what we call industries of the future,” said Michael Kratsios, U.S. chief technology officer, who also testified. “Key emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum information science, 5G, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing will shape the U.S. workforce, sustain our nation’s prosperity, strengthen our national security and make all Americans safer, healthier and better off,” he said. When the U.S. leads, “all Americans can reap the benefits of these emerging technologies,” he said.
“We do not want you to pick winners and losers,” Blackburn told Kratsios. “We want you to develop a level playing field and the right environment.”