**The full Subcommittee hearing is available HERE**

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a Member of the prominent Energy and Commerce Committee, participated in a Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup on the future of our communication networks and 5G technology. During the markup, Kuster emphasized the need for bipartisan action to expand access to rural broadband and close the digital divide. The markup included two pieces of bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Kuster earlier this month, the Spectrum Coordination Act and the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act.

“It’s essential to modernize our country’s wireless and broadband infrastructure to close the digital divide in our rural communities and ensure America remains competitive in the international market,” said Rep. Kuster. “From promoting American global leadership in regulating 5G networks to directing our government agencies to keep pace with wireless technology growth, these bills will help the U.S. remain at the forefront of innovation.”

The Spectrum Coordination Act will require the FCC and the NTIA to update their memorandum of understanding on spectrum coordination every four years. These agencies would consider constantly changing technological, procedural, and policy circumstances in the management of our nation’s airwaves. In addition, the bill will require the agencies to work together to publicly disclose and work to resolve any impact potential spectrum auctions may have on government agencies.

The Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act would direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to take certain actions to support American companies and promote United States leadership in communications standards-setting bodies and for other purposes.

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