AFP: Government Spectrum Valuation Act Helps Close the Digital Divide

Sep 16, 2020 by AFP

Arlington, Va. – Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05) and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09) today introduced a House version of the Government Spectrum Valuation Act, a measure to require the federal government to estimate and publish the commercial value of their spectrum holdings. The bill was initially introduced in the Senate by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT).

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) Senior Policy Analyst Billy Easley commended the measure as an important step in closing the digital divide and keeping America ahead of the world in next-generation wireless technologies:

“Improving our wireless spectrum allocation is key to America’s effort to close the digital divide. Maintaining efficient use of our nation’s spectrum allows us to meet consumer demands in a post-COVID world where critical functions of our lives like schooling and work move online. It solidifies our important position as a world leader in cutting edge wireless technology. The federal government still holds a majority of the useable wireless spectrum, and this legislation will bring transparency to the challenges that poses by showing the value of the government’s spectrum. We applaud Senator Lee and Representatives McMorris Rodgers and Clark for their work to connect more Americans to crucial services online.”

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