Burgess: America Needs to Remain a Leader in 5G Deployment

Press Release

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to advance deployment of 5G infrastructure by adopting its "5G Upgrade Order" based on Section 6409 of the Spectrum Act of 2012. This section allows for approval of simple infrastructure upgrades, such as antenna swaps, on existing cell towers or base stations to occur without the red tape involved in building a whole new cell tower.

"There is no reason to delay the implementation of American made 5G network infrastructure when it is a simple technological upgrade," said Burgess. "The FCC vote today will help to ensure America does not fall behind in the deployment of 5G technology."

Background:
In February 2019, Burgess joined FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to witness a training for one of these tower upgrades by Ericsson, which has a Center of Excellence in the 26th District of Texas. He also signed a letter in 2018 to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai requesting the FCC promote local deployment of 5G communications services, including reducing the barriers to small cell installation. Most recently, he joined House Energy and Commerce members in sending a letter to FCC Chairman Pai supporting today's vote.

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