How C-Band Auction Revenues can Address the Digital Divide

Current law requires that spectrum auction proceeds are automatically deposited in the US Treasury, barring a few exceptions. Legislation would be required to direct C-Band auction proceeds to other causes, such as a transition fund or incentive payments to satellite operators. The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill called the 5G Spectrum Act, which would direct at least 50% of C-Band auction proceeds to the Treasury and 10% to rural broadband. Many observers speculate that the remaining 40% could be used to incent satellite operators to move and to help fund the transition. It was reported last week that the 5G Spectrum Act may be included in a bill to fund the government through September 2020; however, the compromise spending bill approved this week does not contain language addressing the C-Band. How might Congress invest C-Band proceeds? Here are a few ideas.