Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and John Thune, R-S.D., have introduced new legislation to give commercial wireless users more access to mid-band spectrum.
The Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024 would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to identify at least 2,500 megahertz of mid-band spectrum that can be reallocated for commercial use and sharing in the next five years, including at least 1,250 megahertz in the next two years, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation said Monday.
The bill would also renew the Federal Communications Commission’s congressional authority to run spectrum auctions and require that at least 1,250 megahertz of spectrum be auctioned for full-power use, including 5G, within six years of the bill’s passing.
Under the bill, the FCC would also allocate at least 125 megahertz of additional spectrum for unlicensed services.
“To dominate in next-generation wireless technologies, stay ahead of our adversaries, and advance strong economic growth, the U.S. must create a pipeline to expand commercial access to mid-band spectrum,” Cruz said.
“The Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024 meets those goals while promoting both consumer and national security interests,” he added.
