Spectrum authority lapse impinges on broadband, 5G plans

It's been nearly four months since Congress let the Federal Communications Commission's authority to auction spectrum lapse, potentially hindering the deployment of broadband or expanding 5G capabilities. The FCC can't issue spectrum licenses won in previous auctions and the lapse jeopardizes funding to replace Chinese communications equipment. "We're in a situation where spectrum policy is effectively at a standstill because auction authority has lapsed," said Nick Ludlum, senior vice president for communications at CTIA, a trade group representing the wireless communications industry. T-Mobile won more than $300 million worth of spectrum licenses in an August 2022 auction. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says the agency can't distribute those licenses, as well as others. Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA) asked Chairwoman Rosenworcel if the FCC would consider issuing the licenses under a special temporary authority, but the chairwoman said that still could potentially violate the law because of the auction authority lapse.