Congressman Rick W. Allen (R-GA-12), Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI-05), reintroduced the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act, legislation that directs the FCC to bring together industry leaders, public interest groups and government experts to establish a 6G Task Force.
“6G is the future of telecommunications and we must ensure the United States is a global leader in this emerging technology,” said Congressman Allen. “Just like in the business world, we want the best, most qualified individuals to have a seat at the table. By establishing a 6G Task Force, we can bring together America’s brightest industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to collaborate on the future deployment of 6G and strengthening our wireless networks. As Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I am proud to co-lead the FUTURE Networks Act this Congress.”
“To keep America at the vanguard of wireless communications technology, we need to be proactive in our preparations for the next generation of networks,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “6G holds the potential to revolutionize connectivity, support smart transport, and supercharge augmented reality applications for education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The race to 6G isn’t just about faster phones – it’s about national security, economic security, and America’s standing on the international stage. The FUTURE Networks Act will bring together experts within the communications industry, academia, public interest organizations, and government to accelerate U.S. leadership in next-generation communications.”
“Our economic and national security depend on the United States remaining the leader in wireless technology,” said Congressman Walberg. “I am proud to partner with Representatives Matsui and Allen to introduce this vital legislation which brings stakeholders together to continue to strengthen our networks to protect them from cyberattacks, improve wireless security, and promote innovation. The FUTURE Networks Act will better prepare us for the future deployment of next-generation 6G networks.”
Specifically, the FUTURE Networks Act:
- Requires the FCC to establish a 6G Task Force comprised of industry, government, and public interest representatives to issue a report on:
- The role of standards setting bodies in 6G
- Possible use cases for 6G technology
- Potential threats such as supply chain or cybersecurity, and;
- Interagency coordination and promoting deployment
Full text of the bill is available
HERE.
