A recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Gridlock Creates a Wireless Spectrum Gap, highlights just how dangerous the lapse of spectrum auction authority is to the future of the United States. Robert McDowell, former Federal Communications Commissioner between 2006-2013, highlights that not only does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) not have the authority to auction spectrum, but even if it did there would be no spectrum available to auction.

For 30 years, the FCC has had the authority to auction spectrum, the invaluable resource used among wireless network providers that power our connections. As the op-ed notes, “Spectrum fuels more than smartphone videos. It increasingly powers factories, hospitals and transportation infrastructure.” As our reliance on wireless technology continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have enough spectrum to support it. This means restoring auction authority, coupled with a pipeline of much-needed mid-band spectrum, is key to support our unprecedented growth in data traffic.

Beyond the growth in data use, spectrum plays a critical role to our national security. When looking at spectrum on a global scale, America’s lack of a licensed spectrum pipeline allows nations in Asia and Europe [to] “gain economic advantage over the United States.” The Center for Strategic and International Studies also notes that this economic advantage over the United States put[s] America’s technological leadership at risk. As it stands, countries like China are taking the lead in spectrum availability.

Commissioner McDowell puts it best: “The solution is [for Congress] to renew the FCC’s auction authority immediately, auction available frequencies quickly, and accelerate process of finding more federal spectrum to bring to market.”