The Biden-Harris administration’s handling of wireless internet expansion faces scrutiny as private sector efficiency outpaces government efforts in improving America’s digital infrastructure.
At a Glance
- A $42 billion government program has failed to connect new users to the internet
- Private sector leads in wireless connectivity advancements
- Government spectrum management hinders wireless expansion
- FCC lost spectrum auction authority in March 2023
- Future administration expected to prioritize spectrum availability for 5G and 6G
Government Inefficiency in Wireless Expansion
The Biden-Harris administration’s approach to expanding wireless internet access in the United States has come under fire for its apparent inefficiency and mismanagement. Critics point to a government program that has spent a staggering $42 billion without successfully connecting a single new person to the internet. This failure stands in stark contrast to the rapid advancements made by the private sector in wireless technology and connectivity.
One of the key issues highlighted is the government’s narrow focus on wired connections when assessing internet accessibility. The administration’s statistics on “unconnected” individuals do not account for cellular or satellite connections, potentially skewing the perception of the digital divide and misallocating resources.
Spectrum Management: A Critical Bottleneck
At the heart of the wireless expansion challenge lies the issue of spectrum management. The federal government owns the majority of the wireless spectrum required by private providers to enhance and expand their services. However, the Biden administration has been criticized for its inaction in releasing this vital resource for use.
Despite conducting a lengthy study, the administration has not freed up any spectrum for private use. This stagnation reached a critical point in March 2023 when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lost its authority to auction spectrum – an unprecedented situation in the modern cellphone era.
Looking Ahead: Potential Policy Shifts
Former Republican FCC commissioners have expressed optimism about future administrations prioritizing spectrum availability for advanced wireless technologies like 5G and 6G. There’s speculation that Brendan Carr, potentially named as the next FCC Chairman under a different administration, would aggressively pursue spectrum and wireless siting issues.
To address these challenges, congressional support will be crucial. Reauthorizing the FCC’s authority to sell spectrum and resolving interagency turf wars over spectrum allocation are seen as key steps. Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz has signaled his intention to prioritize opening military-controlled airwaves to the private sector, potentially accelerating wireless expansion.
