Chairmen Wicker and Thune Introduce 5G Spectrum Act

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Communications Subcommittee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) introduced the 5G Spectrum Act. The legislation would ensure mid-band spectrum is quickly available in the market by requiring a transparent and competitive public auctioning process. The bill specifically would require that at least 50 percent of the auction revenues be reserved for the American people. The 5G Spectrum Act would:

• Provide the coverage and capacity essential for deployment in America’s rural communities.
• Require the FCC to conduct a public auction of C band spectrum.
• Require the auction to start no later than December 31, 2020.
• Require the FCC to make available at least 280 MHz of spectrum.
• Require the FCC to capture for the taxpayer at least 50 percent of the fair market value of the spectrum.