C-Band Alliance Briefs Senate Commerce Aides on Accelerated Clearing Fee Proposal

band. They focused on a Brattle Group analysis detailing how the FCC could use an accelerated clearing fee paid by C-band auction winners to satellite operators that have to relocate (see 2001170027), she told us. CBA argues the FCC has broad authority under Communications Act Title III to require companies buying licenses in a C-band auction to pay for clearing the band as a condition (see 2001160059). Handouts included an overview of CBA’s proposal. That outline argues “getting C-band spectrum cleared more quickly not only means more money, faster, for the U.S. government, but also supports Congress’s goal of unleashing 5G deployments, creating high-tech jobs and staying competitive against China.” CBA said its proposal has the “same goal” as the Utilizing Strategic Allied Telecommunications Act (S-3189), “to counter Chinese companies’ dominance in building 5G.” The bill would create a $500 million fund to accelerate global adoption of trusted and secure telecom equipment (see 2001140067). The measure would also require the FCC to direct at least $750 million, or up to 5 percent of annual spectrum auction proceeds, to create an NTIA-managed open radio access network R&D fund to spur software-based wireless technologies. Lawmakers remain interested in addressing how to allocate proceeds from the coming auction (see 1912240001). Divisions that prevented congressional leaders from reaching agreement have been unresolved (see 2001090021).