FCC Auction Authority Bill Ensures No Disruption in Spectrum Distribution: Lawmakers

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2022 – Legislation introduced last month that would extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to conduct spectrum auctions is needed to ensure a seamless process when the agency comes to close out existing auctions, lawmakers said last week.

The Extending America’s Spectrum Auction Leadership Act of 2022, or H.R. 7783, was introduced on May 16 in the House, giving the FCC an extension on its spectrum auction mandate – which ends this September – to March 31, 2024. It was referred to the energy and commerce committee.

“We cannot let the FCC’s auction authority lapse under any circumstances,” said Representative Doris Matsui, D-Calif., at an energy and commerce committee hearing on May 24. “Congress has extended the FCC’s spectrum auction authority on a bipartisan basis several times over the last three decades and has never let it lapse.

“Even a brief lapse in FCC auction authority could jeopardize licenses from being awarded and delay the carriers’ ability to supercharge their networks with this 5G-ready spectrum. That cannot happen,” said Matsui.

With a long history of auction authority, the FCC has conducted auctions of licenses for spectrum since 1994.

“Congress has never let the FCC’s spectrum authority lapse since authorizing it in the early 1990s, so I am pleased we are taking this important step forward today,” said committee chairman Frank Pallone, D-NJ. “As a result, the FCC will be able to hold its planned auction of the 2.5 gigahertz band in July without disruption and also fully close out auctions that have already occurred.”

In May, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel talked about the importance of upcoming spectrum auctions to fund infrastructure projects and the transition to a next-generation 911 system. In this hearing, Matsui and Pallone agreed that this authorization from Congress will be crucial for the FCC to carry out its spectrum authority.