Following Introduction of the AIRWAVES Act, Senator Hassan Joins Bipartisan Resolution in Support of 5G Technology
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) in introducing a bipartisan resolution in support of deploying 5G mobile broadband technology across the country. The bipartisan resolution highlights the importance of expanding 5G and all broadband technologies to create jobs, encourage innovation, and close the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Yesterday, Senator Hassan and Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) also introduced the AIRWAVES Act, which will help lay the groundwork for 5G technologies by ensuring the future spectrum needs of wireless carriers are met. The AIRWAVES Act also designates a percentage of spectrum auction proceeds to go toward broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, like rural parts of New Hampshire and other states.
“Access to the internet is vital in today’s 21st century economy,” Senator Hassan said of the bipartisan 5G Resolution. “As the importance of internet access increases, the digital divide between urban and rural areas is widening, putting those living in rural areas at a disadvantage. This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the importance of making life-changing technology more accessible and fostering the spirit of innovation in hard-working Granite Staters and Americans.”
The deployment of 5G networks is expected to begin in 2019 after official standards have been developed to define the scope of the technology. Potential benefits of the deployment of 5G networks include three million new jobs, $275 billion in investment from the wireless industry, and a boost of $500 billion to the economy. Consumers in both rural and urban areas would have greater access to innovative technologies, including precision agriculture, telemedicine, and other Internet-connected applications and services that depend upon fast, reliable broadband connections.
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