By Office of Sen. Deb Fischer
WASHINGTON, D.C. –on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent announcement that the Enhanced Competition Incentive Program has begun accepting applications. The new program incentivizes wireless licensees to make underutilized spectrum airwaves available to small carriers and entities serving rural areas.
In 2015, Senator Fischer introduced the bipartisan Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). The legislation directed the FCC to establish a program that would provide spectrum license extensions for wireless carriers if they leased underused spectrum to rural and smaller carriers — encouraging collaboration of this vital resource between companies to bridge service gaps in rural areas.
The bill passed into law in 2018. “Ensuring rural areas have access to high-speed internet requires creative solutions like this program, which my legislation created. I strongly encourage wireless carriers to take advantage of these incentives so that rural providers can help expand high-speed internet to all Americans — no matter where they live,” said Senator Fischer.