U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) on April 12 commended major initiatives being launched by the Trump administration to ensure fifth-generation (5G), high-speed internet services are expanded across the United States.
“These announcements show how we are all working together to bring high-speed broadband to rural America and maintain U.S. leadership in 5G connectivity,” said Rep. Latta, co-chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus. “I hope that continued efforts in Congress will complement this important work and that the majority will not impose utility-style regulations on 5G and the innovative technologies that it will support.”
U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai recently announced the commission’s third 5G spectrum auction will be held in December.
Additionally, the FCC plans to establish the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which would contribute over $20 billion into expanding the nation’s high-speed broadband networks over the next decade and connect more than 4 million rural homes and businesses.
“I welcome today’s announcements from President Trump and Chairman Pai on the future of next generation wireless connectivity and closing the digital divide,” said Rep. Latta, who also serves as ranking member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Such new technologies are improving efficiency in practically every economic sector in the United States, the congressman said.
For instance, in his district, Rep. Latta said he has seen first-hand how cutting-edge innovation, including the Internet of Things, drones and self-driving machines, assist farmers with crop and livestock monitoring, as well as with soil research.
The administration’s announcements, he said, will bring more of such wireless spectrum to market and improve Americans access to high-speed Internet.