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FCC pushes spectrum auctions, NextGen TV and GPS resiliency steps as part of 'build' agenda
Summary
Chairman Carr told the subcommittee the FCC is pursuing mid‑band spectrum, C‑band work and new proceedings on higher‑frequency bands; he said restoring auction authority and freeing spectrum will drive investment, and that the commission is studying ATSC‑3 (NextGen TV) and alternatives to GPS for resiliency.
WASHINGTON — Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr told House appropriators the agency is prioritizing spectrum access and broadcast innovation as central elements of a build and modernization agenda intended to spur private investment.
Spectrum auctions and mid‑band: Carr said the FCC has launched proceedings to free mid‑band spectrum, to examine additional use of the C‑band and to explore the 37 GHz band and other high‑frequency bands. He urged Congress to "restore the FCC's general spectrum auction authority" and said auctioning spectrum both supports U.S. leadership in wireless and raises revenue for the Treasury.
ATSC‑3 / NextGen TV and data casting: Carr said the commission is open to ATSC‑3 (known as NextGen TV) and had put related petitions out for comment. He described ATSC‑3 as a technology that could enable higher video quality, immersive audio and data‑casting uses such as sending updates to connected vehicles or providing broadcast positioning system data as a resilience backup for GPS.
GPS resiliency: Carr said the FCC is exploring alternatives and complementary systems to GPS for precision timing and navigation, describing the need to avoid a single point of failure and talking about a "system of systems" approach to precision timing (PNT).
Why it matters: Lawmakers heard the FCC view that freeing spectrum, encouraging NextGen TV and pursuing GPS alternatives are all part of a broader strategy to accelerate infrastructure investment, expand competition and enhance national resilience.
Ending: Carr said these spectrum and standards actions will be priorities for the agency, and he urged congressional action on auction authority and mid‑band spectrum availability.
