Government Watchdog Group Urges Reauthorization of FCC’s Spectrum Auction Authority

For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Abigail Graham: (202) 417-7235

May 2, 2023                                                                            

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) called on Congress to reauthorize spectrum authority for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It has now been nearly two months since Congress allowed the FCC’s spectrum auction authority to lapse for the first time since that agency was granted that ability in 1994. Although the U.S. House passed legislation reauthorizing the FCC’s power, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the bill and the auction authority ended on March 9.

Such auctions of unused spectrum for wireless applications have been a boon for not only broadband growth, but also radio, mobile, and satellite services. The FCC reports it has held at least 100 auctions and generated more than $233 billion in revenue while unlocking significant spectrum to benefit the American public.    

In response, TPA Director of Telecom Policy Johnny Kampis offered the following comments:

“The reauthorization of the FCC’s spectrum auction authority should be a priority for Congress, either through a standalone bill or as part of an appropriations bill. Releasing spectrum to the private sector will close the digital divide quicker and bring in revenue to the U.S. Treasury.

“Access to spectrum is key to ensuring that the U.S. continues to be among the world leaders in the growth of 5G and future wireless networks and applications.

“In addition, federal agencies need to release their grip on unused spectrum. Although the need for wireless spectrum is growing exponentially, a recent study found that government users hold an astounding 12 times the amount of mid-band spectrum that licensed users hold in the key 3-8.4 GHz range. This hinders the ability of wireless providers to keep up with projected growth and increased demand. Consumers and taxpayers need this spectrum to be available.  It is shameful that the Senate has yet to act on this reauthorization.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.