Hearing of the Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee - Opening Statement of Sen. Wicker, Hearing on Exploring the Value of Spectrum to the U.S. Economy

Hearing

Alongside my good friend and colleague, Ranking Member Schatz, I am glad to convene the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet for the 115th Congress.

As we all know, in today's connected world, the demand for spectrum increases with every new technology. Spectrum is the lifeblood of this connectivity, improving the lives of people around the globe.

Our discussion of spectrum policy today comes on the heels of this committee's approval of the MOBILE NOW Act. Under Chairman Thune's leadership, we have taken a significant, bipartisan step toward freeing up spectrum for next-generation wireless services with the approval of this legislation. I hope to see Senate passage of the bill in the near future.

Our discussion of spectrum policy, however, should continue. With rapid growth in the use of mobile devices and the Internet of Things, demand for spectrum will only increase.

Spectrum for mobile broadband is giving rural America the tools and resources it needs. Applications that utilize mobile broadband provide the means to deliver quality health care in the most remote corners of our states and transmit real-time data for improved crop production on our farms.

Satellite services are providing television, broadband, and Earth observation for a variety of applications.

Next Gen TV has the potential to deliver better emergency services and ultimately save lives. This is particularly important to states like Mississippi that can be situated in the paths of hurricanes, tornados, and other natural disasters.

Unlicensed spectrum offers opportunities for businesses of all sizes to innovate and continues to fuel the vast expansion of the Internet of Things.

Although innovation demands more efficient spectrum use, innovation will also be what solves the problem of limited spectrum.

We are here today to talk about the value of spectrum to the economy. We are here to talk about what we have learned from the FCC's recent spectrum auctions and how unlicensed spectrum is a vital piece of the puzzle.

I also hope our discussion will encourage a focus on the future of spectrum policy and set the stage for this committee to look at ways to address spectrum demand.

I would like to welcome all of our witnesses and thank them for testifying this morning.

I look forward to the testimony from our distinguished panel. I will now turn it over to my colleague, Mr. Schatz.

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