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CCA on “Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024”

Apr 25, 2024

Washington, D.C. - Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) President and CEO Tim Donovan made the below statement regarding the release of the “Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024,” which would reinstate the Federal Communication Commission (FCC)’s spectrum auction authority and identify bands of spectrum to study for potential commercial use, among other provisions. The bill would provide critically needed resources for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program)’s funding shortfall and additional funding to continue the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

“CCA welcomes the introduction of ‘Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024’ and thanks Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) for her efforts. Access to spectrum is crucial for U.S. wireless ecosystem growth, innovation, and connectivity. Given limited spectrum resources, policymakers must focus on reallocating sufficient licensed, full-power spectrum to ensure that all Americans, including those in rural, underserved, and unserved areas, have access to ubiquitous connectivity.

“It is also imperative that Congress immediately and fully fund the Reimbursement Program. Many Program participants have reached or surpassed their pro-rated funding allocations and are now making painful decisions where they will have to reduce or even eliminate wireless service for their own subscribers and the tens of millions of customers roaming onto their networks because of this national security mandate. The impacts will be especially harmful for those who could lose access to 9-1-1 and emergency services. Additionally, absent further funding, the ACP will sunset next month. I thank Chair Cantwell for addressing these priorities in this legislation and look forward to working with her and her colleagues in Congress, and Senate and House Leadership to urgently address these issues as soon as possible.”

For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org.

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About Competitive Carriers Association

Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions of customers, as well as vendors and suppliers that provide products and services throughout the wireless communications ecosystem.

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