The Biden-Harris administration’s wireless internet expansion efforts face criticism for inefficiency and mismanagement, while private sector innovation surges ahead.
At a Glance
- A $42 billion government program has yet to connect new users to the internet
- Private sector leads in wireless internet advancements
- Government spectrum hoarding hinders wireless expansion
- FCC lost spectrum auction authority for the first time in cellphone era
- Potential leadership changes could prioritize aggressive spectrum management
Government Spending vs. Private Sector Progress
The Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to expand wireless internet access in the United States have come under fire for apparent inefficiencies and mismanagement. Critics point to a government program that has spent a staggering $42 billion without connecting a single new person to the internet. This stark contrast between public spending and tangible results has raised questions about the effectiveness of government-led initiatives in the telecommunications sector.
Meanwhile, the private sector has been making significant strides in advancing internet connectivity, particularly through wireless technologies. Companies have been innovating rapidly, developing and deploying advanced wireless systems that are expanding coverage and improving speeds for consumers across the country.
Astonishingly, the government is putting out press releases congratulating itself on a job well done when the job has not connected one American to the Internet.
Spectrum Management and Government Inaction
A key issue at the heart of the wireless expansion debate is the management of spectrum resources. The federal government owns the majority of the wireless spectrum needed by private providers to expand and improve their services. However, the Biden administration has been criticized for not releasing this vital resource for use, despite conducting a lengthy study on the matter.
This inaction has had significant consequences. For the first time in the cellphone era, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lost its authority to auction spectrum in March 2023. This unprecedented situation has effectively halted the process of allocating new spectrum to wireless providers, potentially slowing down the development of 5G and future 6G networks in the United States.
Potential Policy Shifts and Leadership Changes
Looking ahead, there are indications that a change in administration could lead to a more aggressive approach to spectrum management. Former Republican FCC commissioners have suggested that a potential Trump administration would prioritize making more spectrum available for 5G and 6G technologies. Brendan Carr, who has been named as a potential FCC chairman under Trump, is expected to pursue spectrum and wireless siting issues with particular vigor.
As projects from the Biden-Harris administration’s Internet for All initiative connect people to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service around the country, interagency coordination is now stronger than ever.
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— U.S. Commerce Dept. (@CommerceGov) September 11, 2024
Congressional action is also seen as crucial in addressing these challenges. Reauthorizing the FCC’s authority to sell spectrum and resolving interagency turf wars over spectrum allocation are considered key priorities. Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz has indicated plans to focus on opening military-controlled airwaves to the private sector, potentially unlocking valuable spectrum resources for commercial use.
Global Competitiveness Concerns
The Biden-Harris administration’s perceived inaction on spectrum allocation has raised concerns about the United States’ global competitiveness in communications technology. Critics argue that this delay has inadvertently benefited China, allowing it to gain ground in the race for wireless technology supremacy. The slow pace of spectrum release and the lack of a clear strategy for 5G and 6G development are seen as potential threats to America’s technological leadership.
