Austin News

Senator Ted Cruz, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs,” highlighted the necessity of auctioning spectrum to maintain the United States' global technological leadership. He emphasized that such auctions are crucial for national security, job creation, and improving consumer connectivity.

Cruz pointed out that delays in spectrum auctions have allowed China to gain control over communication networks globally. He advocated for restoring the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority to conduct these auctions and expanding access to mid-band spectrum for commercial use.

“Auctioning spectrum has been one of the most successful drivers of American innovation, economic growth, and global technology leadership," said Cruz. He added that this process has "unlocked billions for the Treasury while enabling our nation’s wireless networks to deliver faster, better connectivity."

The senator expressed concern over the two-year gap since the FCC lost its auction authority and three years since any significant auction took place. He attributed this lag to previous administrative delays.

“Thanks to this new Congress and the historic election of President Trump, we have an opportunity to build better and faster networks," he stated.

Cruz introduced the Spectrum Pipeline Act alongside Leader Thune and Senator Blackburn last year. The act aims to restore FCC auction authority by providing a pipeline of mid-band spectrum, ensuring American companies can invest in their networks confidently.

He addressed concerns from certain special interests regarding potential impacts on defense capabilities: “To the contrary, our bill ensures both consumer interests and defense capabilities are protected.”

Cruz criticized bureaucratic resistance within government institutions like the Pentagon: “For many years now, U.S. government incumbents...have insisted they are using every single megahertz as efficiently as possible.”

He warned about broader risks if no action is taken: “We are fighting a global technology race against communist China...If we do not catch up and lead, it will be Huawei that creates the backbone of tomorrow’s global communication networks.”

Concluding his remarks, Cruz urged swift legislative action: “Now is the time...We must move quickly and together...to bolster our national security for years to come.”