O'Rielly Urges Congress to Reach 'Common Ground' on Extending FCC Spectrum Auction Authority

Congress “must find common ground” on extending the FCC’s spectrum auction authority past its current Sept. 30 expiration, even if it’s for a short period, former FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly said Thursday in an InsideSources opinion piece. “To do otherwise would set a horrible precedent, setting back wireless communications policy at precisely the wrong moment.” Lawmakers appear to be nearing a deal to temporarily renew the FCC’s authority through Dec. 16 as part of a pending continuing resolution to extend federal appropriations (see 2209210076). The Senate plans an initial vote at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to CR shell bill HR-6833 (see 2209220087). “Extending auction authority must have balanced expectations and a modicum of innate responsibility,” O’Rielly said: “To get more commercial wireless spectrum into the market, all affected parties must come to the table ready to deal.” Getting “an extended commercial spectrum pipeline, which is critical, will likely take longer than a few months to hammer out,” he said: “Experience tells us that it will be a long process that could take the better part of a year and only occurs with the inclusion of a firm deadline in law and corresponding watchful eyes by the respective congressional telecom leaders.”