Senate Commerce OKs Bills; Indian Affairs Backs New 2.5 GHz Priority Window
The Senate Commerce Committee advanced on voice votes Wednesday the Internet Exchange Act (S-1166), Ensuring Network Security Act (S-4472), Beat China by Harnessing Important, National Airwaves for 5G Act (S-4803) and Space Preservation and Conjunction Emergency Act (S-4827). The Senate…
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Indian Affairs Committee approved the Bridging the Tribal Digital Divide Act (S-3264) with an amendment requiring the FCC to open a new priority window for tribes to apply for 2.5 GHz licenses that lasts at least 180 days. The deadline closed Sept. 2 after a 30-day extension (see 2007310027). Other lawmakers also sought extensions (see 2010150046). S-3264 would create a Tribal Broadband Interagency Working Group to improve coordination across federal broadband programs and set aside FCC and Agriculture Department funds for tribal broadband deployments. Public Knowledge Senior Policy Counsel Jenna Leventoff praised the 2.5 GHz amendment to S-3264, saying it’s “one small way Congress and the FCC can fulfill their commitment to Tribes. Doing so is the first step to addressing the inequities of this underserved population: It will give Tribes an actual chance to secure broadband access.” Competitive Carriers Association CEO Steve Berry hailed advancement of S-4472, which would expand eligibility for funding to help U.S. communications providers remove Chinese equipment determined to threaten national security (see 2008120030). The measure “clearly recognizes the importance of addressing national security threats and providing sufficient funding,” Berry said. “The reimbursement program is an absolutely essential component.”