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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) sent a letter to Evelyn Remaley, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Acting National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator, to urge the NTIA to coordinate and share information ahead of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctioning the 3.45 GHz band.

The 3.45 GHz band is being reallocated from the Department of Defense (DoD) to commercial use to help deploy 5G in the United States.

“As the United States continues to engage in the race to 5G and beyond, it is imperative that the Federal government make an urgent and concerted effort to keep pace with our global peers by freeing up additional mid-band spectrum,” the Members wrote.

The Members requested NTIA to facilitate timely and accurate information to potential bidders about the DoD’s operations within this band without compromising DoD operations and national security.

“This uncertainty could limit participation and ultimately the amount of revenue raised by the auction. With an ongoing need for funding to close America’s digital divide, it is critical that NTIA use its full authority to promote a successful auction,” the Members continued.

Guthrie helped champion the Beat CHINA for 5G Act to make spectrum available for 5G technology deployment, which was signed into law last year. This 3.45 GHz band auction is a result of Guthrie’s Beat CHINA for 5G Act to increase access to broadband, improve connectivity and give the U.S. a competitive edge against China in technology.

Guthrie and Matsui serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee and are co-Chairs of the Congressional Spectrum Caucus. Click HERE to read the letter.

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