WASHINGTON-The House telecommunications subcommittee today approved legislation to create a trust fund to pay to relocate military radio systems in order to make room for third-generation wireless systems in the 1700 MHz band using money raised from 3G auctions. The bill now goes to the full committee for consideration.
Lawmakers withdrew amendments that would have diverted money from the relocation fund for educational, technology and public-safety communications interoperability issues. House telecommunications subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) said he would address those issues in coming months.
“When this legislation becomes law, it will ensure a smooth transition for both the wireless industry and government spectrum users, including the Department of Defense, guaranteeing new spectrum for wireless consumers and a simple method of migration and reimbursement for incumbents,” said Steve Berry, senior vice president for government affairs at the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.
