Lafayette Reporter

President Joe Biden has signed into law the 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (SALE) Act, sponsored by Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana. The new legislation requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to release previously auctioned spectrum in order to expand 5G broadband access to rural communities.

Kennedy, the sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of broadband access for rural economies, stating, "Louisiana’s job providers depend on wireless communications as they support rural economies. My 5G SALE Act will provide crucial broadband access by giving the FCC the authority to finish transferring previously auctioned spectrum to companies that offer 5G coverage. I’m grateful to see my bill signed into law so that more Americans have the tools they need to do their jobs and grow their businesses."

The Senate passed the 5G SALE Act in September, followed by the House of Representatives in December. The act grants the FCC temporary auction authority, allowing it to complete spectrum transfers and enable broadband services to provide greater 5G network coverage in rural areas.

The background of this legislation stems from the FCC's auction of approximately 8,000 licenses in 2022, which granted companies access to America's broadband spectrum. These licenses are essential for companies to legally use the radio waves that deliver 5G to customers. However, Congress failed to reauthorize the FCC's ability to auction off licenses, leaving companies that purchased spectrum waiting for their transfer.

Senator Kennedy's legislation provides the FCC with a one-time, temporary authority to issue licenses purchased in auctions held before March 9, 2023, when the FCC's Congressional authorization ended. This will ensure that companies can finally receive the licenses they have already paid for.

Senator Kennedy had previously raised concerns about the FCC's lapsed authority to transfer spectrum licenses during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. The passage of the 5G SALE Act addresses these concerns and provides a solution to the delay in spectrum transfers.

The full text of the 5G SALE Act can be found here.

With the signing of this bill into law, rural Americans can look forward to improved 5G broadband access, enabling them to participate in the digital economy and connect with the tools they need to thrive in today's interconnected world.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=9F3E53A1-DC57-4C48-B3AC-595AF27E8F58