One year ago today, the FCC’s spectrum auction authority expired as it was not extended by Congress, for the first time ever.
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel took note of that unwelcomed anniversary, issuing a statement that put a spotlight on the potential next steps “in light of this reality for the agency.”
“For more than thirty years, the Federal Communications Commission’s authority to auction the nation’s airwaves proved to be an indispensable tool for harnessing the promise of new wireless technologies while also spurring economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening our national security and international leadership,” she said on March 7. “However, in light of the reality the agency has faced for almost a year, we are now compelled to ask what we can do with our current unassigned spectrum in order to keep innovation moving ahead in a global market for wireless that is not slowing down. I remain hopeful that the FCC’s auction authority will be restored quickly so that this important program is once again able to produce results for consumers and the economy. The agency stands ready to work with lawmakers to ensure we don’t find ourselves in the same place next year.”
Given the agency’s current lack of spectrum auction authority, the Commission on Thursday (3/7) opened a docket to explore how its existing regulatory tools and current statutory authority could provide the public with access to its inventory of currently unassigned spectrum in bands previously licensed for wireless services through auctions.
In doing so, Rosenworcel said she remains committed to working with Congress to restore the agency’s auction authority as originally outlined in Section 309 of the Communications Act.
