VICTORY!! C-Band Public Auction

Spectrum is a complicated issue, but a little understanding goes a long way. We all use it for making phone calls, sending texts, or playing games like Angry Birds (are people still playing that?). Spectrum is a government-owned asset. And, the next generation of ultra-fast wireless internet (5G) will be dependent on having enough spectrum to serve urban and rural areas. Right now, a group of satellite companies are using spectrum to deliver video services. They have plenty and want to sell it. The problem is that they don’t own it. The Communications Act of 1934 makes it clear that taxpayers are the ultimate owners of the spectrum. In fact, due to the procedure set forth in Section 304 of the legislation, licensees must sign a waiver saying that they are simply spectrum tenants. The government is free to make modifications to leases under Section 316, provided that the FCC gives 30 days of written notice. Just as an apartment owner should behave respectfully and with reasonable
predictability toward a tenant, the U.S. government should exercise caution in clearing incumbent users from spectrum even if they can bluntly do so in a short period of time. But, at the same time, (temporary) spectrum holders shouldn’t act like they own the place. Basically, this group of satellite companies wanted to sell something they didn’t own. And, they wanted to keep most, if not all, of the money received from the sale which could eclipse $60 billion. They have ZERO right to those proceeds considering that they didn’t pay anything for the spectrum in the first place.

We have been working for most of the year convincing members of Congress and the FCC that the spectrum should be sold through a public auction. In fact, I testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government to urge the Committee to require a public auction. I talked about how a public auction would benefit taxpayers and close the digital divide. The good news is that, this past Monday, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced that the spectrum would be sold through a public auction. This an amazing victory for taxpayers and closing the digital divide. This means that taxpayers will reap the benefits of the sale and we will have an open and transparent process to make sure the spectrum is awarded through a competitive bidding process.

First and foremost, TPA wants to thank FCC Chairman Pai for announcing the public auction. TPA also wants to thank Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) for his dogged determination in making sure that a public auction is used to sell the spectrum.


Blogs:

Monday: Watchdog Warns Against “Green” Boondoggle Proposal ([link removed])

Monday: Watchdog Praises FCC For Pursuing Public C-Band Auction ([link removed])

Wednesday: Watchdog Praises FCC Chairman Pai for 5.9 Spectrum Band Announcement ([link removed])

Thursday: TPA President David Williams President Testifies Before Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government ([link removed])

Friday: Watchdog Urges Lawmakers to Reject Payouts to Electric Vehicle Producers ([link removed])

Media:

November 15, 2019: The Charleston Post Courier (Charleston, S.C.) ran TPA’s op-ed, “New postmaster general must root out wastes, inefficiencies.”

November 16, 2019: TPA was mentioned in an op-ed in The Hill titled, “Dynamic scoring: Forward-thinking budgeting practices to grow our economy,”

November 16, 2019: The Observer (New York, N.Y.) ran TPA’s op-ed, “Menthol Prohibition Would Criminalize Communities of Color.”

November 18, 2019: Inside Sources ran TPAF investigative reporter Johnny Kampis’ op-ed, “D.C. City Council Should End Attempt to Enact Soda Tax.”

November 18, 2019: The Epoch Times ran TPA’s op-ed, “How Elizabeth Warren Enriches Wall Street.”

November 18, 2019: The American Conservative ran TPA’s op-ed, “Why Is The U.S. Postal Service Delivering Contraband?”

November 18, 2019: The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) ran TPA’s op-ed, “Postal Service must stamp out billion dollar losses.”

November 19, 2019: Maryland Matters ran TPA’s op-ed, “Teachable Moment for Maryland Education and Taxes.”

November 19, 2019: The Norfolk Daily News (Norfolk, V.A.) quoted TPA in their article, “Proposed trade authority act would address balance of power between Congress and president.”

November 19, 2019: KCHA (Charles City, Iowa) mentioned TPA in their story, “Charles City city council make decision on fiber-to-home.”

November 20, 2019: Townhall ran TPA’s op-ed, “NASA Still Light-Years Away from Spending Reform.”

November 20, 2019: The Observer (New York, N.Y.) ran TPA’s op-ed, “No FDA, Breast Implants Aren’t That Dangerous.”

November 20, 2019: TPA policy director Ross Marchand appeared on “The Hard Question” (WCGO 1590 AM; Evanston, Ill.) to talk about “green” subsidies.

November 20, 2019: Rzeczpospolita (Poland) mentioned TPA in their article, “Congress members write to the prime minister on the copper fee.”

November 21, 2019: WBFF (Fox, Baltimore) interviewed me about cell phone taxes in Baltimore and across Maryland.

November 22, 2019: I appeared on KCBQ (San Diego, Calif.) to talk about “green” subsidies.

November 22, 2019: TPA policy director Ross Marchand appeared on “It’s Your Turn” (WEBY 1330 AM; Milton, F.L.) to talk about “green” subsidies.

November 22, 2019: TPA policy director Ross Marchand appeared on “Silk & Antrim” (nationally syndicated) to talk about “green” subsidies.

November 22, 2019: TPA policy director Ross Marchand appeared on the “The Alan Nathan Show” (nationally syndicated) to talk about “green” subsidies.

November 22, 2019: Catalyst ran TPA’s op-ed, “Did Midas Touch Medicare?”

Have a great weekend, and as always, thanks for your continued support.

Best,
David Williams
President
Taxpayers Protection Alliance
1401 K Street, NW
Suite 502
Washington, D.C. xxxxxx
www.protectingtaxpayers.org ([link removed])

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