Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON - In a unanimous decision, the Senate passed the 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (SALE) Act, introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.). The act aims to expand 5G broadband access to rural communities by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned spectrum.

"My 5G SALE Act provides Americans with access to broadband by giving the FCC the authority to finish transferring previously auctioned spectrum to companies that offer 5G coverage. The House should move quickly to send this bill to the president's desk so that the job providers who depend on wireless communications in Louisiana and across America can continue to support rural economies," said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.).

Sen. Kennedy recently questioned FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel about the commission's lapsed authority to transfer spectrum licenses already sold at auction during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. The 5G SALE Act would grant the FCC temporary auction authority to complete spectrum transfers, enabling broadband services to expand 5G network coverage in rural areas.

The FCC auctioned approximately 8,000 licenses in 2022, granting companies access to America's broadband spectrum. These licenses are crucial for companies to legally utilize the radio waves that deliver 5G to customers. However, due to Congress' failure to reauthorize the FCC's ability to auction off licenses, the FCC no longer has the authority to grant these licenses, causing delays.

Sen. Kennedy's legislation would provide the FCC with one-time, temporary authority to issue licenses purchased in auctions held before March 9, 2023, when the FCC's Congressional authorization expired.

To read the full text of the 5G SALE Act, click here.

For more information, view Sen. John Kennedy's remarks here.