Congress kicks the can on wireless, telecommunications issues as 2022 ends

Congress is again kicking the can down the road on several issues important to the US telecommunications industry. A 4,155-page omnibus spending package bill that Congress unveiled is expected to pass in order to keep the government operating. But Congress punted on a long-term extension of the Federal Communications Commission’s auction authority, covering the shortfall for rip and replace funding, and consideration of more mid-band spectrum for wireless use. One tiny blurb of the bill was devoted to the FCC’s auction authority, extending it until March 9, 2023. Traditionally, the FCC’s auction authority has been extended in 10-year increments, but this Congress just keeps renewing it for three-month time frames. Steve Berry, president and CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), has been following this issue closely. He said he’s grateful that the bill will ensure the FCC’s spectrum auction authority does not expire, but he noted that the March deadline is less than 80 days away.