Lafayette Reporter

The House of Representatives has passed the 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (SALE) Act, a bill introduced by Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana. The bill aims to expand broadband access to rural communities by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned spectrum.

Kennedy expressed his gratitude for the House's support, stating, "I'm thankful that the House has sent 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." He further explained that his 5G SALE Act would provide Americans with access to broadband by giving the FCC the authority to transfer previously auctioned spectrum to companies that offer 5G coverage.

The Senate had already passed Kennedy's legislation in September, highlighting the bipartisan support for expanding 5G access to rural areas. The 5G SALE Act would grant the FCC temporary auction authority to complete spectrum transfers, thereby enabling broadband services to provide greater 5G network coverage to Americans in rural areas.

The background of this bill stems from the FCC's auction of 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's failure to reauthorize the FCC's ability to auction off licenses, the FCC no longer has the authority to grant those licenses, despite companies already completing their payments.

Kennedy's legislation would address this issue by granting the FCC a one-time, temporary authority to issue licenses purchased in auctions held before March 9, 2023, when the FCC's Congressional authorization expired. The aim is to ensure that companies can receive the spectrum licenses they have purchased and provide improved 5G coverage in rural areas.

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Kennedy questioned FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel about the commission's lapsed authority to transfer spectrum licenses already sold at auction. This inquiry further emphasized the need for the 5G SALE Act to rectify the situation.

The full text of the 5G SALE Act is available for reference. With the House's approval and the Senate's prior support, this bill represents a significant step towards expanding 5G access to rural Americans. By enabling the release of previously auctioned spectrum, the FCC will be able to foster greater connectivity in underserved communities across the nation.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=48DAE57B-6FD1-4F53-9AAA-1BAB6476ECFF