House of Representatives
Rep Matsui Releases Draft of Landmark Win 5G Act
Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA), vice chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, released the “WIN 5G Act”. This draft legislation proposes a consensus-based, compromise approach to rapidly and equitably reallocating spectrum between the frequencies of 3.7 GHz-4.2 GHz, commonly referred to as the “C-band”.
Rep. McNerney Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging FCC to Take Fresh Look at 5.9 GHz
Reps. Jerry McNerney (D-CA), John Shimkus (R-IL), Billy Long (R-MO), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai asking that he move forward soon with a proceeding that takes a fresh look at the 5.9 GHz band. “We write to urge you to move forward with a rulemaking proceeding to take a fresh look at the 5.9 GHz band. Given the increasing demands for spectrum, it is crucial that we use this precious and finite resource in an efficient way,” the Members wrote.
Reps Walberg, Clarke Introduce the TOWER Infrastructure Deployment Act
Reps Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) introduced the TOWER Infrastructure Deployment Act (HR 3255), bipartisan legislation to help close the workforce shortage in the telecommunications industry. HR 3255 reflects the need for a highly-skilled, professional workforce equipped to deploy 5G, lightning-fast broadband networks, and new broadcast technology. The act:
Rep Collins Urges FCC to Improve Reliability of Rural Broadband Mapping
Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai requesting the FCC consider a more accurate and reliable approach to mapping broadband availability, particularly in rural areas. Under the FCC’s broadband mapping program, providers of fixed broadband are required to provide a list of all census blocks where fixed broadband service is currently available.
Bill to Expand Rural Access to Broadband
Reps. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) introduced the Rural Broadband Network Advancement (RBNA) Act, which would invest in expanding broadband access in rural areas. The bill would establish a new program at the Federal Communications Commission that would collect Network User Fees from edge providers (Netflix, AmazonVideo, etc.) based on the data transported over the last mile of networks. User fees would then be invested by the rural broadband providers to help build, maintain and operate robust broadband networks in high-cost rural areas.
Bipartisan Bill to Build National 5G Strategy, Protect US Telecommunications Infrastructure from National Security Threats
Rep Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) led the introduction of a bipartisan bill to protect next-generation telecommunications systems and mobile infrastructure in the United States. Rep Spanberger introduced the legislation alongside Rep Susan W. Brooks (R-IN), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
Rep Eshoo Reintroduces Three Bills to Expand Broadband Access
Rep Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) reintroduced three bills during Infrastructure Week to expand access to broadband:
Reps Latta And Welch Introduce Bipartisan Broadband MAPS Act
Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the bipartisan Broadband Mapping After Scrutiny (MAPS) Act. The legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission to establish a challenge process to verify fixed and mobile broadband service coverage data. Current FCC broadband maps are inaccurate, showing coverage where it doesn’t exist. This leaves consumers without access to broadband and directs funding to the wrong areas.
House Unanimously Approves Tonko Bill to Increase Broadband Access
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1328, the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, by voice vote. The bill, introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), would establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.