US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr (pictured) praised the passing of a bill restoring the agency’s authority to conduct wireless spectrum auctions, which he said could unlock airwaves for several years, and boost the nation’s economy and security.

President Donald Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill was passed by a Republican majority yesterday (3 July) in the House of Representatives after the Senate’s version was finalised 1 July.

The president is expected to sign the bill into law today (4 July).

Carr stated the bill establishes “a robust pipeline of [800 MHz] spectrum for years to come”.

“I want to extend my congratulations to President Trump and congressional Republicans on securing this big win for the country.”

“Restoring US leadership in wireless is key to the nation’s economic and national security interests.”

“This will create jobs, encourage innovation and expand high-speed connections to more Americans.”

In a statement issued by the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), its president and CEO Tim Donovan also thanked congress for the move and for “establishing blueprints for future spectrum auctions”.

“This long overdue action will help meet consumer demand, remove obstacles to US global leadership and is essential to closing the digital divide for rural America.”

FCC commissioners will vote on auctioning off spectrum licences for advanced wireless services in their next monthly meeting, scheduled to take place on 24 July.

Carr will also ask the FCC to vote on accelerating a transition from copper lines to high-speed networks and revise the agency’s pole attachment rules.

AT&T
AT&T reacted by asserting the bill would “spur investment, maintain US leadership in innovation, and create economic opportunity nationwide”, along with freeing up mid-band spectrum.

“Thanks to the policies in this legislation, AT&T expects to invest more rapidly in next-generation networks after the bill is signed into law, increasing our investment by an additional 1 million fibre customer locations annually starting in 2026.”