We’re heartened by the introduction of the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021 by Chairman Doyle and Representative Matsui which would help lay the groundwork for the networks of tomorrow. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), working with federal partners, to make more spectrum available for next-generation networks in the 3.1-3.45 GHz band and gives the agency the flexibility to consider all the policy tools in its toolbox, including shared spectrum.

We’ve seen an enormously successful example of shared use in 3.5 GHz, which has led to the development of private LTE technology for everything from agriculture to rural broadband, and manufacturing to college campus networks and much more. The flexible language in this bill leaves room for the FCC to explore the best solution in the public interest for our mid-band airwaves.