U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly endorsed the inclusion of 600 MHz of spectrum for auction as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This legislative proposal is currently progressing through Congress and aims to maintain America’s leadership in advanced wireless technology including WiFi, 5G, and 6G networks. Trump emphasized the necessity of connecting all Americans to top-tier networks while ensuring national safety through his social media channels.
In a recent markup meeting, the House Energy and Commerce Committee discussed federal budget reconciliation which includes provisions to make the 600 MHz spectrum available for auction. This move is projected to potentially generate $88 billion by reauthorizing the FCC’s spectrum auction authority. However, the current bill will exclude the lower 3 GHz band, a spectrum that has been debated for years due to its occupation by the Department of Defense, and the 6 GHz band, which is reserved for Wi-Fi usage.
While industry organizations such as the CTIA have sought access to the lower 3 GHz band, CTIA President Ajit Pai has expressed support for the current language of the bill, urging its swift passage. Pai stated that the spectrum and tax provisions would significantly enable the wireless industry to invest and create jobs, thus fostering economic growth.
Despite the legislative constraints, there remains a substantial opportunity for further spectrum availability. Analysts, like Blair Levin from New Street Research, note that Congress has delegated the responsibility for resolving auction details to the Trump administration and relevant agencies such as the NTIA and FCC. The FCC is expected to initiate an upcoming auction of AWS-3 licenses aimed at financing the removal of Huawei and ZTE equipment from rural U.S. operators.
As the landscape of spectrum auctions evolves, federal efforts are underway to unlock more bands, which could enhance opportunities for wider connectivity and economic advancements in the years ahead. This proactive legislative focus on spectrum allocation reflects an optimistic outlook on driving innovation and ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of wireless technology.