President Biden's spectrum plan doesn't quell 5G capacity worries

Two top executives in the 5G industry renewed calls for more spectrum for commercial uses just weeks after the Biden administration released a 26-page national spectrum strategy. AT&T CEO John Stankey and Verizon's top networking chief, Joe Russo, both said that companies need access to more spectrum in order to innovate and grow the industry. Critics of President Joe Biden, including Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr, argue that his administration hasn't done enough to support the 5G industry. However, in testimony before the House of Representatives, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel cheered the agency's progress on spectrum. One topic with wide agreement is the need for Congress to renew the FCC's auction authority, which lapsed on March 9, 2023 but is necessary for the FCC to conduct spectrum auctions. Commissioner Carr and Chairwoman Rosenworcel have both spoken about the need to renew the authority. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said, "Restoring this authority will provide the United States with the strongest foundation to compete in a global economy, counter our adversaries' technology ambitions, and safeguard our national security."