This week, the House passed the 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement (SALE) Act, sending it to the president’s desk. This legislation, which U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) cosponsored in the House, would temporarily grant the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auction authority to complete spectrum license transfers, allowing broadband providers to service greater 5G network coverage to Americans in rural areas.

In New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District, over 50 cell sites are currently sitting inactive because the FCC’s authority to grant the licenses to turn on these sites has expired. The 5G SALE Act would fix this problem and bring these sites online, expanding 5G connectivity for rural communities.

“I’m thrilled to see the 5G SALE Act heading to the president’s desk to expand 5G connectivity across New Hampshire,” said Kuster. “This bill will allow broadband providers to turn on existing cell sites, providing service to over 130,000 people in New Hampshire’s Second District, many in rural and underserved areas. I urge the president to sign this into law quickly.”