Free Republic

The Federal Communications Commission has thrown a curveball into the global race for deployment of 5G -- the much-anticipated fifth generation of cellular and wireless technology. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has announced his support for a government-run auction of an underutilized 500-megahertz space on the electronic spectrum that cellphone carriers like AT&T and Verizon need to deliver 5G wireless services. It had been widely believed that this valued spectrum now under lease by the satellite companies and others would be transferred to the cellular communications companies through a quasi-private auction. The revenues from this auction of unused spectrum rights are...

Editor's note: This column was authored by Ryan Khurana.The White House has had a change of heart on innovation in 5G technology. In January, it mulled over a plan to nationalize next generation wireless networks, but on Friday, April 12, the Trump administration announced a series of initiatives to accelerate the private sector’s development of 5G, with a greater focus on removing regulatory barriers than on increasing state aid or control. 5G technology is vital to economic development and national competitiveness, and President Trump finally realizes it. His new push for a National Spectrum Strategy would update management of radio spectrum,...