Radio Spectrum Inventory Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, many communities in Vermont remain on the wrong side of the digital divide--sidelined in a nation that increasingly demands high-speed Internet access to engage socially, politically and economically. I believe that unused spectrum will be part of that solution, and accounting for that spectrum is the first step. We can't afford to ignore this opportunity to connect millions of people--especially in rural and low-income communities.

In addition to connecting our most rural and disadvantaged communities, wireless spectrum has the potential to greatly impact our nation's competitiveness. As access to wireless technologies becomes more widespread, we are already seeing 3G transmission speeds being surpassed by newer fourth generation (4G) offerings. 4G wireless services offer increased speed but also require considerably more spectrum than their predecessors.

To quickly and efficiently address these concerns, a bipartisan effort has been launched in Congress. H.R. 3125, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act, would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the FCC to create and maintain an inventory of each radio spectrum band of frequencies used in the United States to better assess the underutilized bands. H.R. 3125 sets a deadline of two years after enactment for the first inventory and four years for the first report recommending which spectrum should be reallocated for wireless broadband.

Passage of this bill will ensure that the U.S. wireless industry will be in an excellent position to meet the ever growing and evolving needs of individuals and business users, while fostering further economic growth and American competitiveness. This is an issue of national importance and one that must be addressed now. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan effort by voting in support of H.R. 3125.

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