WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) filed the Clearing Broad Airwaves for New Deployment (C-Band) Act today to ensure that at least $10 billion of the proceeds from a public auction of C-Band spectrum will be invested in rural broadband infrastructure. 

Sen. Kennedy successfully convinced the Federal Communications Commission to hold a public auction for the C-Band spectrum needed to deliver 5G technology that will make driverless cars, remote surgeries and other innovations possible.  This is a win for the American taxpayers because the alternative was a private sale that would only benefit foreign satellite companies.

The Clearing Broad Airwaves for New Deployment (C-Band) Act builds on the benefit to the American taxpayers by ensuring the public auction will be held and directing not less than $10 billion of the proceeds to go toward rural broadband infrastructure.  The rest of the proceeds will be deposited into the U.S. Treasury.

“5G means incredibly fast internet and phone calls.  We’ll notice it in our iPads, computers and cellphones.  These radio waves can go a long distance and carry a huge amount of data,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “Everyone should benefit, even if they live 100 miles from the nearest Starbucks and stadium-size supermarket.  Too often, people in rural areas have to wait a long time for the latest technology.  My bill will ensure that much needed investments are made.”

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