Rep. Rick Allen, R-Ga., has introduced a bill that would extend the Federal Communications Commission’s spectrum auction authority and help advance 5G and next-generation technologies by ensuring the efficient allocation of mid-band spectrum.
What Would the Bill Do?
Allen’s office said Thursday the proposed Spectrum Pipeline Act would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA, to identify at least 2,500 megahertz of mid-band spectrum that can be reallocated to non-federal or shared use in the next five years.
Under the bill, FCC should auction at least 1,250 megahertz of spectrum for full-power commercial wireless services within six years and allocate at least 125 megahertz of additional spectrum for unlicensed services as part of efforts to promote unlicensed innovation.
The measure would require FCC and NTIA to submit to Congress annual progress reports as well as reports within 60 days of each identification made by NTIA.
The legislation would also eliminate a limitation in current law to allow federal agencies to procure new equipment using spectrum auction proceeds.
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