SE Texas Times

Washington, D.C. - On July 12, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber’s (TX-14) amendment was included in the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Reauthorization Act by the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. The amendment would update the potential uses for the Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF).  The SRF, funded from the proceeds of spectrum auction sales, is used to finance upgrades to federal infrastructure in exchange for making more spectrum available to the private sector

“The NTIA plays a key role in closing the digital divide and strengthening American leadership in next-generation communications technology, and I applaud Chair Rodgers’ and Chairman Latta’s leadership in reauthorizing the agency for the first time in 30 years,” said Rep. Weber. “I am proud that my bipartisan amendment, co-led by Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA), was included in the bill; this will ensure that we can make more spectrum available for commercial use while incentivizing federal agencies to use spectrum more efficiently.”

 

Background on the NTIA:

NTIA plays a significant role in closing the digital divide, managing our nation’s spectrum, and advocating the United States’ telecommunications position on the world stage. NTIA has not been reauthorized since 1992, causing it to fall behind in new tools and direction to carry out the mission of connecting all Americans and finally closing the digital divide. The House Committee on Energy & Commerce is chaired by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), while the Subcommittee on Communications & Technology is chaired by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH). 

Original source can be found here.