Gardner’s bipartisan bill aims to auction, free up more wireless spectrum

U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) recently sponsored bipartisan legislation to make more efficient use of spectrum by requiring the federal government to more quickly auction off more of it and to free up additional unlicensed spectrum to support wireless devices. 

Sen. Gardner on July 23 introduced the Advancing Innovation and Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum (AIRWAVES) Act, S. 2223, with seven cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).

“The AIRWAVES Act is bipartisan, commonsense legislation that frees up more spectrum for commercial licensed and unlicensed users and will help bridge the divide between urban and rural Colorado,” said Sen. Gardner.

If enacted, S. 2223 would create a spectrum pipeline to provide more capacity for wireless providers to improve existing service and expand to new areas, while also providing more access to spectrum for innovators to develop next-generation technologies, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Gardner’s office. 

“This legislation offers innovative ways to avoid a spectrum crunch, pave the way for 5G service, and provide critical resources to rural America to continue rural buildout in unserved and underserved areas throughout Colorado and the country,” Sen. Gardner said.

S. 2223 also would require 10 percent of all of the proceeds from spectrum auctions to go directly to wireless broadband infrastructure buildout in unserved and underserved areas throughout rural America, according to the summary.

Thus far, the proposal has garnered the support of the Competitive Carriers Association, NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, and the Consumer Technology Association.

S. 2223 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.