U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Chuck Schumer (D- N.Y.) this week introduced a bipartisan bill to support United States competitiveness in innovation and technology. The legislation would establish a national strategy to implement future telecom networks, including sixth generation (6G), based on recommendations from an expert council.
“Ensuring the United States remains a leader in next-generation communications has long been a priority of mine,” said Thune. “This bill would allow the United States to continue competing on the global stage, and it would help prepare the United States to lead the way in deploying next-generation technology, including 6G. I’ll continue to work on bipartisan solutions that will increase innovation and bolster the private sector’s ability to compete in this emerging space.”
The Next Generation Telecommunications Act would establish a group of experts to advise Congress on the next generation of telecommunications services, including 6G and other wireless communications. The expert council would develop a national telecom strategy, including focusing on America’s global leadership in broadband, expanding the telecom workforce, and making sure that telecommunication networks are resilient and secure. This approach to creating a national strategy on broadband is modeled after the successful Cyberspace Solarium Commission, which took a similar approach to strengthening America’s cybersecurity.