ICYMI: Highlights from the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Spectrum Hearing
Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing on “Strengthening American Leadership in Wireless Technology.” In one of the first hearings of the 119th Congress, members and witnesses, including Michael Powell, President and CEO of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, discussed how smart spectrum policy benefits consumers, entrepreneurs, the next generation of innovators, national security, and American leadership.
In case you missed it, here are some highlights from the hearing:
Unlicensed spectrum drives innovation and expands connectivity, especially in underserved communities, rural communities, and tribal communities.
In an exchange with Rep. McClellan (VA-04), Michael Powell and Chris Lewis, President and CEO of Public Knowledge, explained how unlicensed spectrum democratizes consumers’ access to Wi-Fi, making it more affordable in homes and readily available throughout communities – from public parks to NFL stadiums.
Watch:
America’s approach to unleashing innovation through unlicensed spectrum is critical to strategic competition with China.
In an exchange with Rep. Allen (GA-12), Powell discussed how America’s approach to unlicensed spectrum and wireless innovation gives us an enormous competitive advantage over China, “because we harness the innovation potential of every one of our citizens—and they don’t.”
Watch:
National security and consumer interests can coexist.
In an exchange with Rep. Peters (CA-50), Powell explained how the wireless industry can work with the Department of Defense (DoD) to promote national security and consumer interests in tandem through coexistence of spectrum bands.
Watch:
Nearly 90% of cellular data flows over Wi-Fi.
In an exchange with Rep. Fedorchak (ND-At large), Powell highlighted how 60% of all data travels over unlicensed networks, while 80 to 90% of cell phone data is over Wi-Fi. He emphasized how lawmakers should focus more on how to find shared solutions with spectrum allocation.
Watch:
This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) confirmed that Wi-Fi 7 is the future.
In an exchange with Rep. Fulcher (ID-01), Powell underscored the widespread showcasing of Wi-Fi 7 at CES 2025. He highlighted how Wi-Fi 7 has wider channels and lower latency to allow for faster streaming.
Watch:
Lawmakers should consider the outsized – and growing – demand and consumer reliance on Wi-Fi when making spectrum allocation decisions. Granting unlicensed, shared access to the 7 GHz band would ensure America can keep up with skyrocketing consumer demand, allow the full economic benefits of Wi-Fi to be realized, and open the door for the next generation of innovative technologies.
We appreciate the Committee’s consideration of spectrum policies early in the 119th Congress, and we look forward to continued collaboration with policymakers on these critical issues.