Transcripts For CSPAN Telecommunications 20240705 : vimarsan

[inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] well, good morning pete the subcommittee will come to order the chair recognizes himself an Opening Statement. Good morning welcome back before the subcommittee. Assistant secretary davidson the National Telecommunication Information Administration has been very busy since the last time you appeared for us and may. In a june nci or allocated the money for the broadbent equity access to the states. This amounts to 42. 5 billion dollars. Since then states have submitted their fiveyear action plan the infrastructure at law strict requirements such as ensuring funding achieves universal connectivity and prohibiting great regulations. I am concerned some of the state plans are calls for more federal funding required by the law and blatant efforts by states to engage in rate regulation of broadband services. Thankfully and cia has rejectedt his and his attempt including for my home state of ohio. Though it overrode existing networks in options being used to bring broadband to rural america. Our main concern may allow states to push the boundaries of what conditions they can impose on broadband providers who receive dollars. Attempts to regulate rates and Net Neutrality and other liberal wish lists i failed the American People by increasing costs and leaving them on the wrong end of the Digital Divide. The requirements undermine the effectiveness of the program. Mr. Davidson, it is your responsibility and to reject plans that stray from his goals. And ci has also adopted conditional problematic waiver of the letter of credit requirement that would make it difficult for small rural providers. The success of this program depends on a wide range of large and small providers serving the community in which they operate. I appreciate giving provider flexibility without sacrificing accountability so taxpayer dollars are not wasted. I look forward to working with you to ensure accountability in the program. With the billions of dollars available for broadband is being federal agencies. Coordination and roofing barriers is going to be key to make sure this money is not wasted. One development is the leadership or barriers to broadband on federal lands. The subcommittees of the charge of reforming the broadband process across the United States. I am pleased to see it taking action on many items laid out through our Committee Earlier this year. These rules to more efficient and timely deployment. I work with federal agencies to streamline processes in priority broadband permitting application are providers will focus on deployment finally want to acknowledge the spectrum strategy and president ial memorandum released last month. This is a good first step you must be aggressive and identifying the pipeline u. S. Wireless leadership. We restore the goal of regular order process. Leading the effort for the executive branch. However we expect that you and other agencies responsible throw requests in a timely manner. Which is not been the case recently uncertain matters pending before this administration. Again mr. Davidson thank you very much for appearing before us today. Look forward to the discussion we will have it. I yield to the Ranking Member of the subcommittee and the gentle lady from the Southern District of california for five minutes for an Opening Statement too. Thank you very much mr. Sherman. Before the subcommittee them in several developments that elevate the arctic crucial role of nci a. From deployment and spectrum governments to ai and cybersecurity. Nci has an opportunity to make a lasting down payment on american innovation. As we move forward ncis role in the important specifically as bylaw provides on telecommunication and information policy issues. Acknowledging this role has never been more important. Today, Technological Developments can no longer be neatly sorted. Their costcutting impacts multiple industries simultaneously. Equities from multiple federal agencies. This increasingly interconnected world it is imperative the federal government speak with one voice. Thats the right agency to deliver that message. Thankfully the subcommittee has been active in providing the agency with new tools while continuing our vital oversight role. Back in july this subcommittee marked up the reauthorization act. Congress is not reauthorized and ci a1992 and i believe the bill we have drafted is needed. With the bipartisan aim the authorization acts we provide authority to ensure agencies can fulfill its mission. That means elevating the administrator and assistant to understand. To reflect the challenges of the day and the opportunities of tomorrow. I am also glad it includes my coexistence acts. This language would require an cia to conduct a review of federal Receiver Technology to support more intensive use of spectrum. The sec exploring receiver performance for commercial equipment its important that we do the same for federal. The bill also includes a smart acts congressman guthrie and i introduced to develop incumbent informing capability. This would allow federal users to share spectrum of commercial users by telling them when and where they are operating in real time. The bill also encourages the development of ai for special management, increases in cia and cybersecurity and reports Public Safety communication. I will continue to work with the chairman to see it receives a vote on the floor as soon as possible. Im also looking forward to discussing the National Spectrum spratt strategy and president ial memorandum on spectrum with you. The National Strategy represents months of interagency consultation. The crucial steps toward a robust pipeline. The Previous Administration failed to develop a National Strategy, i am eager to work with an cia to rake up for lost time. The processes outlined in the strategy and the memoranda will accomplish two foundational goals. Insured federal agencies have the tools they need for the missions while providing what we need to continue innovating. Taken together these documents outline, a clear roadmap for reasserting u. S. Leadership in telecommunications. An cia is also in the process of implementing the funding to help secure a chips designed acts use both the development openly on market. To release funding to advanced testing and evaluation of open and Interoperable Networks which i think are fundamental to catalyzing additional prizes sectors investments. And of course, we think this opportunity to hear more of the standards of the limitation period this Bipartisan Program represents the single most valuable tool we have to close the divide in all its incisions of benefits from the success. I want to thank administrator davis and i go back the belt of my time. Thank you very much. The gentle lady yields back the balance of thats our time and share it now recognizes that show the full committee the gentle lady from washington for five minutes. Thank you chairman, good morning to my colleagues. Good morning to mr. Davidson. Appreciate you being here. We have much to discuss. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is responsible for maintenance federal spectrum used in awarding funds to deploy broadband. In addition the agency recently has been engaged in policy development around Artificial Intelligence and advancing the open radio active networked marketplace. As our Technology Advances the role needs to evolve to keep up. Was last authorized in 1993 and reauthorized in the agency is overdue that is why this Community Asked the bipartisan reauthorization act which we hope will become law soon. In the meantime we consider our oversight efforts to ensure it is fulfilling its mission. Another shared priority is making spectrum available for commercial use which is essential to maintaining American Leadership in nextgeneration wireless technology. Last month released its National Spectrum strategy. The strategy identifies spectrum bands to be studied, to determine what will be made available for commercial use. It also highlighted Workforce Shortage issues in Spectrum Engineering and most importantly reaffirmed the role as a manager of federal government spectrum. One highlighted for study and the strategy stands out from the others. The lower at three gigahertz band. Thisll be the second time in two years that the federal government will study this band. This time however the study will be led by an cia. The expert for executive branch. Unfortunately despite numerous requests we have yet to receive the first Feasibility Study and a briefing on the result of that study from the administration. I will again echo the Administration Needs to provide us with that information immediately i expect the full briefing ntia has results as well. To continue wireless leadership we must make sure spectrum resources are used efficiently as possible. And we continue to make spectrum available for commercial use in a way that best serves the American People. Additionally ntia is responsible for administering the public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation fund. Seeks to advance the development and adoption of open interoperable radio access networks. The purpose of this program was to inject money into an industry working to diversify the Network Supply chain. Provide secure and affordable alternatives to equipments. Unfortunately since the program was launched in april has only awarded 18 million out of the 1. 5 billion dollars appropriated to the program for projects that i am concerned will not achieve the goals set by congress. Our committee has been leading robust oversight to ensure ntia is taking seriously his congressional mandate to make sure the broadbent equity access and Deployment Program closes the Digital Divide but republicans on this committee sent you a letter requesting that you project sleep plan to overbuild and ignore congresses mandate to be Technology Neutral rather than use the money to serve all americans. I encourage you reject estate plans that would have ignored these mandates but i also hope to get an update on the broad band Infrastructure Program how you distributed those funds thus far. And on precedent amount of taxpayer dollars have been allocated to recent years to getting every american connected and closing the Digital Divide. We will continue to carry out the committees oversight duties to ensure resources are going towards achieving this goal and are not subject to waste, fraud, and abuse. Todays hearing will also be an opportunity to discuss the work ntia has been doing on Artificial Intelligence but from ai accountability to open source ai models, ntia is taking steps to embrace the challenges and opportunities of ai and ensure america leading. This committee awaits you reports on these issues which i hope will inform our own efforts on ai. U. S. Technological communication leadership is essential for america to win the future. I look forward to todays hearing and discussing how we can leverage ntia to make sure the u. S. Is dominated in everything from spectrum and broadbent to Artificial Intelligence. Thank you assistant secretary davidson for being here. I yield back to court the gentle lady yields back the chair not recognizes Ranking Member of the full committee for five minutes for an Opening Statement. Thank you chairman. The committee is conducting important oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. While ntia may not be a household name the agency is an immense amount of work in the last two years helped connect all americans are highspeed reliable and affordable broadbent. Thanks to the start broadbent investments included in the bipartisan infrastructure law ntia will play crucial role along the states in achieving universal broadband coverage throughout our nation. I wanted to say in the coming months the agency will also help advance, secure cutting Edge Wireless technology its also going to work to ensure social media and Artificial Intelligence are offering the best interest of all consumers including our children. The role of the nations future is crucial because broadband is no longer a luxury it is a necessity. Without broadbent millions of americans cannot do their jobs, run their Small Business come study for school, move the Health Provider connect with family and friends. Right now about 24 million Americans Still have no access to them broadbent. Virtually present biting Congressional Democrats delivered to the American People last congress with the bipartisan of the structure law. A law that helps us close the Digital Divide by making historic order to billion dollar investment broadbent deployment. This investments would help drive reliable highspeed broadband across United States. We know infrastructure by itself will not close the Digital Divide. But that would include the Digital Equity program will make sure everyone has the resources, skills and knowledge to connect to the internet and participate in the Digital Economy this is especially important given the barriers to Broadband Adoption faced by some communities like seniors and veterans who do not always have the capability to take full advantage of the opportunities that come with being online for the broadbent provision the bipartisan infrastructure law a major step in growing our economies for the future and also expanding middle class. Not one supported the landmark investment in broadband deployment. Also oversees federal spectrum users coordinating with the federal communication to make sure our airways are effectively managed and advising the president on advanced technology such as Artificial Intelligence. Im actually disappointed Congress Still has not reauthorized fcc Spectrum Authority after expiration of march. As chair rogers and i the senate floor said for months is critical this happen as soon as possible. I am concerned the labs will hinder us on the International Stage but especially with the world radiocommunication conference has also taken place right now in dubai. Additionally of federal spectrum and it must continue to move forward in exploring opportunities to make additional federal spectrum available for commercial wireless use. Unfortunately the Previous Trump Administration failed in its approach to management which led to unnecessary and harmful spectrum disputes. Also at the Current Administration without anys studies on the horizon. Those studies, if they have done responsibly take time but they do minimize among the parties involved that is why please present biting recently issued a memorandum on modernizing our nation spectrum policy. Managing the spectrum resources and directed and ntia a National Spectrum strategy by the end of the year. It has already released the strategy and is now seeking comments on how to implement it. These actions are important steps toward enhancing how we manage the critical Natural Resource and will strengthening technological leadership. Finally ntia plays an Important Role in communications managing nextgeneration imo one grant to its oversight of first net. Its important First Responder work at the institute for telecommunications sciences. Entry remains at the forefront of ensuring the public and the Law Enforcement agencies to have a modern and Reliable Communications network. So i know you do a lot. I think people are not aware of how much you actually do. And so we have a lot to discuss today i welcome chair davidson back to the committee and look forward to his testimony and yield a backup. Thank you very much for the gentleman yields back the balance of his time for this does include member Opening Statement<\/a>. Good morning welcome back before the subcommittee. Assistant secretary davidson the National Telecommunication<\/a> Information Administration<\/a> has been very busy since the last time you appeared for us and may. In a june nci or allocated the money for the broadbent equity access to the states. This amounts to 42. 5 billion dollars. Since then states have submitted their fiveyear action plan the infrastructure at law strict requirements such as ensuring funding achieves universal connectivity and prohibiting great regulations. I am concerned some of the state plans are calls for more federal funding required by the law and blatant efforts by states to engage in rate regulation of broadband services. Thankfully and cia has rejectedt his and his attempt including for my home state of ohio. Though it overrode existing networks in options being used to bring broadband to rural america. Our main concern may allow states to push the boundaries of what conditions they can impose on broadband providers who receive dollars. Attempts to regulate rates and Net Neutrality<\/a> and other liberal wish lists i failed the American People<\/a> by increasing costs and leaving them on the wrong end of the Digital Divide<\/a>. The requirements undermine the effectiveness of the program. Mr. Davidson, it is your responsibility and to reject plans that stray from his goals. And ci has also adopted conditional problematic waiver of the letter of credit requirement that would make it difficult for small rural providers. The success of this program depends on a wide range of large and small providers serving the community in which they operate. I appreciate giving provider flexibility without sacrificing accountability so taxpayer dollars are not wasted. I look forward to working with you to ensure accountability in the program. With the billions of dollars available for broadband is being federal agencies. Coordination and roofing barriers is going to be key to make sure this money is not wasted. One development is the leadership or barriers to broadband on federal lands. The subcommittees of the charge of reforming the broadband process across the United States<\/a>. I am pleased to see it taking action on many items laid out through our Committee Earlier<\/a> this year. These rules to more efficient and timely deployment. I work with federal agencies to streamline processes in priority broadband permitting application are providers will focus on deployment finally want to acknowledge the spectrum strategy and president ial memorandum released last month. This is a good first step you must be aggressive and identifying the pipeline u. S. Wireless leadership. We restore the goal of regular order process. Leading the effort for the executive branch. However we expect that you and other agencies responsible throw requests in a timely manner. Which is not been the case recently uncertain matters pending before this administration. Again mr. Davidson thank you very much for appearing before us today. Look forward to the discussion we will have it. I yield to the Ranking Member<\/a> of the subcommittee and the gentle lady from the Southern District<\/a> of california for five minutes for an Opening Statement<\/a> too. Thank you very much mr. Sherman. Before the subcommittee them in several developments that elevate the arctic crucial role of nci a. From deployment and spectrum governments to ai and cybersecurity. Nci has an opportunity to make a lasting down payment on american innovation. As we move forward ncis role in the important specifically as bylaw provides on telecommunication and information policy issues. Acknowledging this role has never been more important. Today, Technological Developments<\/a> can no longer be neatly sorted. Their costcutting impacts multiple industries simultaneously. Equities from multiple federal agencies. This increasingly interconnected world it is imperative the federal government speak with one voice. Thats the right agency to deliver that message. Thankfully the subcommittee has been active in providing the agency with new tools while continuing our vital oversight role. Back in july this subcommittee marked up the reauthorization act. Congress is not reauthorized and ci a1992 and i believe the bill we have drafted is needed. With the bipartisan aim the authorization acts we provide authority to ensure agencies can fulfill its mission. That means elevating the administrator and assistant to understand. To reflect the challenges of the day and the opportunities of tomorrow. I am also glad it includes my coexistence acts. This language would require an cia to conduct a review of federal Receiver Technology<\/a> to support more intensive use of spectrum. The sec exploring receiver performance for commercial equipment its important that we do the same for federal. The bill also includes a smart acts congressman guthrie and i introduced to develop incumbent informing capability. This would allow federal users to share spectrum of commercial users by telling them when and where they are operating in real time. The bill also encourages the development of ai for special management, increases in cia and cybersecurity and reports Public Safety<\/a> communication. I will continue to work with the chairman to see it receives a vote on the floor as soon as possible. Im also looking forward to discussing the National Spectrum<\/a> spratt strategy and president ial memorandum on spectrum with you. The National Strategy<\/a> represents months of interagency consultation. The crucial steps toward a robust pipeline. The Previous Administration<\/a> failed to develop a National Strategy<\/a>, i am eager to work with an cia to rake up for lost time. The processes outlined in the strategy and the memoranda will accomplish two foundational goals. Insured federal agencies have the tools they need for the missions while providing what we need to continue innovating. Taken together these documents outline, a clear roadmap for reasserting u. S. Leadership in telecommunications. An cia is also in the process of implementing the funding to help secure a chips designed acts use both the development openly on market. To release funding to advanced testing and evaluation of open and Interoperable Networks<\/a> which i think are fundamental to catalyzing additional prizes sectors investments. And of course, we think this opportunity to hear more of the standards of the limitation period this Bipartisan Program<\/a> represents the single most valuable tool we have to close the divide in all its incisions of benefits from the success. I want to thank administrator davis and i go back the belt of my time. Thank you very much. The gentle lady yields back the balance of thats our time and share it now recognizes that show the full committee the gentle lady from washington for five minutes. Thank you chairman, good morning to my colleagues. Good morning to mr. Davidson. Appreciate you being here. We have much to discuss. The National Telecommunication<\/a>s and Information Administration<\/a> is responsible for maintenance federal spectrum used in awarding funds to deploy broadband. In addition the agency recently has been engaged in policy development around Artificial Intelligence<\/a> and advancing the open radio active networked marketplace. As our Technology Advances<\/a> the role needs to evolve to keep up. Was last authorized in 1993 and reauthorized in the agency is overdue that is why this Community Asked<\/a> the bipartisan reauthorization act which we hope will become law soon. In the meantime we consider our oversight efforts to ensure it is fulfilling its mission. Another shared priority is making spectrum available for commercial use which is essential to maintaining American Leadership<\/a> in nextgeneration wireless technology. Last month released its National Spectrum<\/a> strategy. The strategy identifies spectrum bands to be studied, to determine what will be made available for commercial use. It also highlighted Workforce Shortage<\/a> issues in Spectrum Engineering<\/a> and most importantly reaffirmed the role as a manager of federal government spectrum. One highlighted for study and the strategy stands out from the others. The lower at three gigahertz band. Thisll be the second time in two years that the federal government will study this band. This time however the study will be led by an cia. The expert for executive branch. Unfortunately despite numerous requests we have yet to receive the first Feasibility Study<\/a> and a briefing on the result of that study from the administration. I will again echo the Administration Needs<\/a> to provide us with that information immediately i expect the full briefing ntia has results as well. To continue wireless leadership we must make sure spectrum resources are used efficiently as possible. And we continue to make spectrum available for commercial use in a way that best serves the American People<\/a>. Additionally ntia is responsible for administering the public Wireless Supply<\/a> Chain Innovation<\/a> fund. Seeks to advance the development and adoption of open interoperable radio access networks. The purpose of this program was to inject money into an industry working to diversify the Network Supply<\/a> chain. Provide secure and affordable alternatives to equipments. Unfortunately since the program was launched in april has only awarded 18 million out of the 1. 5 billion dollars appropriated to the program for projects that i am concerned will not achieve the goals set by congress. Our committee has been leading robust oversight to ensure ntia is taking seriously his congressional mandate to make sure the broadbent equity access and Deployment Program<\/a> closes the Digital Divide<\/a> but republicans on this committee sent you a letter requesting that you project sleep plan to overbuild and ignore congresses mandate to be Technology Neutral<\/a> rather than use the money to serve all americans. I encourage you reject estate plans that would have ignored these mandates but i also hope to get an update on the broad band Infrastructure Program<\/a> how you distributed those funds thus far. And on precedent amount of taxpayer dollars have been allocated to recent years to getting every american connected and closing the Digital Divide<\/a>. We will continue to carry out the committees oversight duties to ensure resources are going towards achieving this goal and are not subject to waste, fraud, and abuse. Todays hearing will also be an opportunity to discuss the work ntia has been doing on Artificial Intelligence<\/a> but from ai accountability to open source ai models, ntia is taking steps to embrace the challenges and opportunities of ai and ensure america leading. This committee awaits you reports on these issues which i hope will inform our own efforts on ai. U. S. Technological communication leadership is essential for america to win the future. I look forward to todays hearing and discussing how we can leverage ntia to make sure the u. S. Is dominated in everything from spectrum and broadbent to Artificial Intelligence<\/a>. Thank you assistant secretary davidson for being here. I yield back to court the gentle lady yields back the chair not recognizes Ranking Member<\/a> of the full committee for five minutes for an Opening Statement<\/a>. Thank you chairman. The committee is conducting important oversight of the National Telecommunication<\/a>s and Information Administration<\/a>. While ntia may not be a household name the agency is an immense amount of work in the last two years helped connect all americans are highspeed reliable and affordable broadbent. Thanks to the start broadbent investments included in the bipartisan infrastructure law ntia will play crucial role along the states in achieving universal broadband coverage throughout our nation. I wanted to say in the coming months the agency will also help advance, secure cutting Edge Wireless<\/a> technology its also going to work to ensure social media and Artificial Intelligence<\/a> are offering the best interest of all consumers including our children. The role of the nations future is crucial because broadband is no longer a luxury it is a necessity. Without broadbent millions of americans cannot do their jobs, run their Small Business<\/a> come study for school, move the Health Provider<\/a> connect with family and friends. Right now about 24 million Americans Still<\/a> have no access to them broadbent. Virtually present biting Congressional Democrats<\/a> delivered to the American People<\/a> last congress with the bipartisan of the structure law. A law that helps us close the Digital Divide<\/a> by making historic order to billion dollar investment broadbent deployment. This investments would help drive reliable highspeed broadband across United States<\/a>. We know infrastructure by itself will not close the Digital Divide<\/a>. But that would include the Digital Equity<\/a> program will make sure everyone has the resources, skills and knowledge to connect to the internet and participate in the Digital Economy<\/a> this is especially important given the barriers to Broadband Adoption<\/a> faced by some communities like seniors and veterans who do not always have the capability to take full advantage of the opportunities that come with being online for the broadbent provision the bipartisan infrastructure law a major step in growing our economies for the future and also expanding middle class. Not one supported the landmark investment in broadband deployment. Also oversees federal spectrum users coordinating with the federal communication to make sure our airways are effectively managed and advising the president on advanced technology such as Artificial Intelligence<\/a>. Im actually disappointed Congress Still<\/a> has not reauthorized fcc Spectrum Authority<\/a> after expiration of march. As chair rogers and i the senate floor said for months is critical this happen as soon as possible. I am concerned the labs will hinder us on the International Stage<\/a> but especially with the world radiocommunication conference has also taken place right now in dubai. Additionally of federal spectrum and it must continue to move forward in exploring opportunities to make additional federal spectrum available for commercial wireless use. Unfortunately the Previous Trump Administration<\/a> failed in its approach to management which led to unnecessary and harmful spectrum disputes. Also at the Current Administration<\/a> without anys studies on the horizon. Those studies, if they have done responsibly take time but they do minimize among the parties involved that is why please present biting recently issued a memorandum on modernizing our nation spectrum policy. Managing the spectrum resources and directed and ntia a National Spectrum<\/a> strategy by the end of the year. It has already released the strategy and is now seeking comments on how to implement it. These actions are important steps toward enhancing how we manage the critical Natural Resource<\/a> and will strengthening technological leadership. Finally ntia plays an Important Role<\/a> in communications managing nextgeneration imo one grant to its oversight of first net. Its important First Responder<\/a> work at the institute for telecommunications sciences. Entry remains at the forefront of ensuring the public and the Law Enforcement<\/a> agencies to have a modern and Reliable Communications<\/a> network. So i know you do a lot. I think people are not aware of how much you actually do. And so we have a lot to discuss today i welcome chair davidson back to the committee and look forward to his testimony and yield a backup. Thank you very much for the gentleman yields back the balance of his time for this does include member Opening Statement<\/a>s for the chair reminds members that pursuant to the Committee Rules<\/a> all members Opening Statement<\/a>s will be made part of the record. We also like to thank our witness once again as a secretary davidson for being with us today to testify before the subcommittee our witness will have five minutes to provide Opening Statement<\/a>s which will be followed by round of questions from the members. Again our soul but this is the honorable Alan Davidson<\/a> assistant secretary of commerce for communication and the administrator of the National Telecommunication<\/a> and information demonstration. I would also like to note the time at light on the table will turn yellow when you have one minute remaining credit will turn red when your time has expired. I also mentioned that we agreed to take a quick break on each hour. I asked members stay seated during a quick brief recess as we may meet promptly after words. Mr. Davidson you and are recognized for five minutes for Opening Statement<\/a>s. And i also mentioned before hand we have no subcommittee going on so we will have members coming in and out. So we appreciate you being here today and you are recognized five minutes. Thank you, and good morning. Ranking members and members of the subcommittee. I really appreciate the opportunity to speak with you this morning at also appreciate the subcommittees leadership on so many of the issues we will be discussing today. Since my last appearance here in may ntia has made that considerable progress on the of the bipartisan initiatives congress has given to us. Tail focus on three of them. First our efforts to connect everyone in america to affordable, reliable, highspeed internet service. Second maintaining American Leadership<\/a> in a wireless innovation. And third ensuring new technologies like ai are trustworthy and improve peoples lives. Let me begin with the internet for all initiatives. I continued to be struck by the powerful stories of people all across america struggling to get online. And i know you have heard many of the stories to. In the last year i met a grandmother in louisiana deeply frustrated by difficulties getting her grandchildren online. I met a family farmer in North Carolina<\/a> who simply cannot run his business because he does not have internet access. I met a High School Student<\/a> outside phoenix who would literally drag two of his friends to the Committee Center<\/a> to get free laptops because they were tired of trying to do your homework on their cell phones. These stories and many like them are the reason why this work is so important. I am glad to say we are making progress. Jute and beached a historic turning point in this program we announce funding applications for 42 billion state Grant Programs<\/a>. Now the work turns to states and territories. They have until december 27 to submit additional proposals to us for how they will connect everybody. So far i am pleased to say all 56 states and territories have invited Public Comment<\/a> posted for Public Comment<\/a> the proposals which is in itself a major milestone we are on track but watching carefully with that deadline. Our progress extends beyond the program too. Ntia has awarded 3. 7 grants for tribal, Digital Equity<\/a> and other broadband programs. A key underpinning of all these initiatives is affordability. The Fcc Affordable Connectivity Program<\/a> is a linchpin of that effort too. Today is helping more than 22 million households pay for internet service. Congress needs to act now to put acp on Firm Financial<\/a> footing Going Forward<\/a>. Let me turn out to spectrum. From the cell phone in our pockets of the satellites that help predict the weather, spectrum is among the most vital and scarce resources. The growing importance of connectivity and data make it clear spectrum demand is only increasing. To meet this demand we are very pleased to announce a National Spectrum<\/a> strategy last month the stretch identifies over 27 hundred megahertz of spectrum the study for potential new uses calls for a longterm planning framework to meet in americas future Needs Research<\/a> into new technologies or better spectrum usage and it calls for a spectrum workforce plan to grow the ranks of spectrum experts we are going to need. By mid march at issues and implements the plan to execute on the activities of the strategy. Congress can support u. S. Leadership in the space by reestablishing fcc allimportant auction authority. Finally, i would say ntia is hard at work in areas capture the public imagination. Responsible Ai Innovation<\/a> can and will bring enormous public benefits. We only realize the promise of aif we also address the serious risk that it raises. At ntia we are doing our parts we are hard at work on a process on auditing of ai systems were deeply involved in the Commerce Department<\/a> of ai. And the at the direction of the ai executive order we are digging into the risk and benefits of open source models. Which can bring new risks of misuse but with care may also be a powerful force to improve competition, innovation in ai for Small Business<\/a>es, researching communities around the country. To close, given the importance of all these efforts ntia work is far more than technology policy. Its about building more fair and Equitable Society<\/a> here at home. Its about competing better on the global stage. It is about creating new jobs and Economic Opportunity<\/a> for all americans. I appreciate the subcommittees continued leadership on all of these issues and i look forward to working with you to help america meet this historic moment. Thank you. Thank you very much for your Opening Statement<\/a>. The chair now recognizes himself for five minutes for questions. Mr. Davidson is happy to see you rejected the ohio Broadband Office<\/a> initial proposal for the program which rose awarding funds over grown six wireless networks. Why did you reject the proposal and why should others . Put personal thank you for the question. But this is an incredible set of program similar connecting everyone. We know we will only succeed if we are very good stewards of the money we have been given and make sure every penny counts. Congress has been quite clear with us about how to approach that and has been very clear on to implement these programs, need to ensure they are first tt serving the unserved and underserved in their other purposes we are laser focused on that we are making sure states understand that on that is going to be our focus Going Forward<\/a> for. Thank you. Broadband offices within the aggressive when your timeline for submitting final proposals but the program in jeopardy. Funding for several preexisting programs including the department of treasury capitol project funds on the federal Communications Commission<\/a> wrote Digital Opportunity<\/a> have not been spent. A lot of times if he were the programs are deploying broadband risk federal funds the one your timeline is not the statutory requirement. You have the authority to waive this deadline as necessary. Will you commit to being flexible estates in order to guarantee this money spent is efficiently and effectively as possible and not with other programs to distribute money . Whats really important question. As we go to implement these programs, working hard to make sure were also moving as quickly as we can. Because we know every delay, every week or month we wait is another week or month American Communities<\/a> are not getting the broadband that they day but we are trying to find the right balance here for making sure we are acting prudently but also moving quickly which we have heard from a lot of these people they are looking for. In this particular case i would say we have put a oneyear shot clock because we want them to move quickly want them to do things that they have the ability to meet you when youre deadline we will be watching to see how they do. But to your point we are also confident they can meet the deadline and also do without overbuilding without duplicating existing projects because we have much better data including the broad bound build out that shows where funding exists. We are confident we can without her we think they can meet the one youre deadline for it will be watching to make sure they can. But we want them to move out quickly. Thank you. That version on november 17. New maps never unserved locations down to 7. 1 million. The recent changes affected . What do you have not gone back and looked it was a moment in time we were required to make the allocations and we did separate it is not surprising it should not surprise anyone hoping the number will keep going down. Funding comes on board as of the other project some of our own projects are starting to be built out, that numbers going to take down the whole idea is to get it to zero. We are not at all surprised the number has gone down. We have made the allocations to states theyve got their number for them not sure it would have changed much across the states anyway. Okay thank you. In the last minute what is ntia doing to make sure states have access to the Skilled Labor<\/a> necessary equipment and bucket trucks to facilitate the buildout . I know signal across ohio to hear from folks out there one of the problems are facing the could get a bucket made for 18 or 24 months. Look at issues especially on the labor cited on the equipment side . Works and most important issue for you we have started to look at some of those things. We want statesville to move out quickly want them to think about where the chunks are going to come. We have asked him to focus on a number of areas include the workforce challenges that you just mentioned. The opportunity we have to make sure committee colleges and others are trading up a workforce to help build these networks. And also making sure theyre going to have it permitting and other issues but equipment is going to be out there. On bucket truck sit on a specific answer for you but something we will take under advisement and try to work on thank you. Thank you print my time has expired at this on the chair recognizes Ranking Member<\/a> the gentle lady from california for five minutes of questions for. Thank you very much mr. Chairman. Ntia played a foundational role in development of the National Strategy<\/a>. Nonabrasive menstruation failed to develop a National Strategy<\/a>, it made up lost by adhering to the timelines laid out in this document. Mr. Davidson what role will ntia plate execute the study . How can we at the timeline laid out in the strategy . Ranking member, thank you for the question and i want to say thank you for your longterm leadership in the state in particular cochairing the congressional section. Thank you him up you have been thinking about this for long time youre exactly right of course that time is of the essence to make sure were doing these studies and doing them well. One of the great things about the spectrum strategies and give us a midterm pipeline a set of targets to be looking at making sure were doing the work we need. We have a shot clock that is put on message to your max. We hope some the site is going to come in that it wont take two years. Changes in the josie to push them forward. Thank you in addition to the National Spectrum<\/a> strategy the president also released a memorandum on section policy. Ive been a consistent advocate for a unified voice. I am confident implementation of this document will help the usa head of a global peers. Mr. Davidson what steps is this memorandum ensure it would fulfill its statutory role as a manager of the federal governments use of tax funds . Thank you for the question for the month president ial memorandum is really the blueprint, the starting point that kicks off our ability to create a National Strategy<\/a>. To do the Implementation Plan<\/a> that works on. And sets forth processes for us that are so important to make sure we are well organized to the federal government. And i will say i am gratified that puts ntia in the central role we by statute should be playing which is not just the federal spectrum manner but the principle advice to the present on these issues for the leader of the studies that we are going to do in close collaboration with our colleagues in the federal government. But the president ial memorandum presets up blueprint we need to move forward on our nation. National spectrum strategy notes departments of congress in defense will conduct additional studies on the lower three gigahertz band private sector. Without presupposing the outcome of these studies, what steps will ntia take to ensure we evaluate all opportunities for commercial use in this band . The lower three in particular is of great interest for federal missions and for the private sector. Because the special characteristics of that band. In that range of band in the mid band area. I will say it is a very congested bandit. There is no easy answers here. But we did not want to give up on that band and thats facing the followon studies in the National Spectrum<\/a> strategy. You are seeing us redouble our efforts to make sure we do two different things. We look at spectrum sharing of the band and we can do that. And also look at whether theres a possibility of relocating too. Thank you. I was an original cosponsor of the usa teleCommunications Act<\/a>. Were to include and chips and inscience act last year. It currently is implementing this fund in a way that will capitalize the open market. Im glad to see focus on testing and evaluation early in the program of implementation. Mr. Davidson what role testing and evaluation have and facilitating broader private sector open Land Investments<\/a> . Is a great question. One thing we know is that we need to be a catalyst to your private sector is going to move this forward. Where can government help question require the key places we realize we could help us by funding just open equipment work thats a first set of grants are we have a few that have been out the door for going have the rest of them coming out youll see more grants coming out. Present an opportunity for American Companies<\/a> to compete in the brand market. How will the wireless innovation support Smaller Companies<\/a> and startups . That is the key thing here. The whole idea and preface of this program is to opening this up so it is not just two or three at large a provider shall create the opportunity as weve seen in other places like the internet for smaller providers to commend through that radiant unit, the control unit, to crack up of the market. Thats a whole idea behind the program were so grateful congress created it. Thank you i yield back. Potentially yields back the tears reckon is a gentle lady from washington the chair of the full committee for vitamins for questions. Dods admitted emerging mid band radar spectrum feasibility assessments to the department of congress at the end of september. That was two months ago. Despite repeated requests for myself, chairman, my colleagues in the Armed Services<\/a> committee i am disappointed with not yet received a copy of the study. Or a briefing on the findings. Would you commit to providing a copy of the report by the end of this week . Out say first of all we are eager to get this information to you. We have worked quite hard to try to schedule a briefing we have briefed your team your staff has received a briefing. I am not in control of the actual classified versions of this reports which need to be conveyed in the right proper way. I would just say we are committed to trying to get this to you as soon as possible and hope to have gotten to you by todays hearing. Okay, i do want to have a classified briefing. Were going to work to get that scheduled i realize the unclassified version has been distributed in the senate. If you could get that to us theyll be Great Projects<\/a> we are eager to do it i am quite eager to divert. Thank you the National Spectrum<\/a> strategy highlights the role of an cia and validating the current usage of federal spectrum is a cornerstone of the cornerstone ofmaking datad. Why is it important ntia velvet valleyfederal spectrum usage acs agencies . Taking to implement this. We are constantly asking the question what you see in the National Spectrum<\/a> strategy. Now the possibilities are in the spectrum. Its quite difficult that truth is as you know. There are no easy unencumbered man all, with the multiple and important federal uses. You can see it National Spectrum<\/a> strategy is our target list now looking out a few years. Where do we think court is interagency process think we can make some progress . I am excited for a ton of work but i hope to get everybody to agree this set of bands weve got it now were going to move out. Thank you. It keeps up a lot of studies on bands that have been under discussion for years. However, the strategy is unclear who is responsible for completing the studys break with the agency carrying out the study . Yes, i think we are. The whole idea is we are taking responsibility for making sure these studies get done for it will work with our Agency Partners<\/a> in doing so. But that is the idea. We are glad to have that assignment the homework assignment and you will see in the next three months and Implementation Plan<\/a> that lays out exactly how we are going to do it for each of those bands for. You think that include standardized terms and methodology . Yes that is a huge part of what we hope to do. What we expected as part of the pillar of the strategy itself is to make sure we have clear understanding. Thank you rates separately in 2020 Congress Passed<\/a> in its hisconsolidated appropriation at grade three Grant Programs<\/a> including 300 million in the broadband, 1 billion for the tribal broadband and 285 billion 4 million im sorry to an 85 million for the connecting minority communities pilot program. How are you measuring the effectiveness of each of these programs . That is a terrific program. Theyre very important that are our state Grant Program<\/a> gets a lot of the love and attention. But these other programs are incredibly important are ones that are ready implementing now. Even as we work towards the longerterm state Grant Program<\/a>. All of the money for each of those program has been given out, has been granted we are in the process i work with grantees to implement them and measure all importantly measure how well they do. I will note quickly the broadbent Infrastructure Program<\/a> we are doing groundbreaking right and Others Networks<\/a> being built that will be about access theyll be about how many communities homes we actually get serve Something Like<\/a> connecting Minority Communities Program<\/a> or the tribal broadband have broader goals about Digital Equity<\/a>. About making sure weve got good adoption. Its not just about make sure those wires going past peoples houses is making sure committees know how to get online and thrive online different goals for it in programs of gut Evaluation Data<\/a> collection for all of it. Would you speak to me about how you measure deck Digital Equity<\/a> . There its about adoption. Not just is their connection going past someones house but our people online and using the internet . That is a real difference is subtle but quite a bit different than the data we collect and measure success. We are looking at adoption not just access. Thank you for being here. Correct thank you very much the gentle lady sign has expired and yields back the chair now it recognizes a gentle lady from new york for five questions for. I think art Ranking Member<\/a> for convening this hearing and administered davidson for joining us today to discuss important work. Recent releases spectrum strategy es innovation and leadership in wireless technology. Leadership was sorely lacking during the trump administration. As one of the agencies charged with administering this historic 65 billiondollar broadband investment this committee secured as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law the ntia has an Important Role<\/a> to play in bridging the Digital Divide<\/a> and bring affordable reliable broadbent domains of americans. While the bipartisan infrastructure law tasked with administration specifically of the beat in Digital Equity<\/a> programs, those are just two components of the administration in initiative. A whole of nation approach to highspeed internet. Today im interested in discussing the interplay between the various broadbent programs. The Affordable Connectivity Program<\/a> or acp is in particular has an essential tool in our fight to combat the Digital Divide<\/a>. For the highspeed broadbent. This program is set to run out of funding sometime in early 2024. How might the Affordable Connectivity Program<\/a> impact all of the broadband its doing . And the efforts to close the Digital Divide<\/a> more broadly . Congresswoman its a terrific question for thank you so much. Its the number one hurdle for people who have an internet connection, the number one route reason theyre not using every thats an incredibly important part of our success in these programs. It goes beyond affordability because the question whether going to be successful we know its much harder to build networks undo the big build up and connect everybody if theres not a customer on the other end of the line. Making sure there is an affordable connection is part of making sure there is a Good Business<\/a> that exists, these providers are going to building all these networks. The two are deeply connected we need affordability for affordability sake we also need to make sure we have got its going to be a Good Business<\/a> out there that weve got customers who are going to come and support these networks when they are built. The beat in Digital Equity<\/a> program prioritize funding to meet the needs while this is an colts on urban communities may not lack for access to broadband but struggle with adoption due to high customer cost for the administrator davidson the bipartisan infrastructure law reflects Digital Divide<\/a> is not exclusively. That is why we included funding for affordability and adoption as well. Historic Deployment Opportunities<\/a> the funding gets a lot of attention that some states have the opportunity for perp programs beyond employment. Can you explain how you are thinking about beyond just the deployment . You are quite right. That is the statute the bipartisan infrastructure law gives the states quite a bit of flexibility. They have to start with the unserved and underserved. But once we meet that goal is a fair amount of flexibility for states use this money in different ways that includes connecting Community Anchor<\/a> institutions Like Community<\/a> centers and churches they could also include workforce issues and affordability is a big piece of it. I think there will be states that we are going to encourage states she is at the way the statute and tenant as you indicate affordability is a key piece of this. Is probably over 1. 6 million households in new york state that use acp today. That is why that set of programs are so important for. Administrator davidson, in your opinion why its important to ensure the accountability and how ai systems and algorithms are deployed and develop . And at what ways are they working to foster accountability within the ai echo system . Lets thank you and i know youve been a leader in thinking about this and have introduced legislation in this case. I will just say we are not going to build to realize the benefits of ai and lusby also make sure we are dealing with the risks of it. Accountability is a key piece about the question if a developers is this charisma sit safe. This ai system respects privacy or is not biased how do we test that . How do we know thats true . That is a project we are working on is making sure their standards for doing that i ways to assess an audit on the back and did the system work the way it said . Just like we do with financial audits, there is a role the federal government helping set the standards Going Forward<\/a> and thats what we are undertaking right never. I thank you very much and i mr. Jeremy. The gentle ease time has expired she is healed back the chair now recognizes himself for five minutes. Thank you mr. Davidson for being here today. As you know what are the primary functions of congress in one of the primary responsibilities is oversight so we appreciate you being here for this. Tell me about build america by america waivers. Have you how have you been reviewing and deciding which ones to grant or deny or issue . Thank you for the question. Its a very important part of our broadband program. The president has state if it can be built in america it should be built in america. We are spending all this federal money to build networks lets make sure the people who are building the networks be built here is much as possible. Congress instructed us in the law that has to be true it gave us the ability to do waivers where they are needed. What we have done is the bar has to be very high for labor in this program. We know that to build modern Telecommunication Network<\/a> sent the report is going to be available here in the u. S. We have kept the waivers we said were going to keep it narrow and we are ready for the end result. Companies have stepped up to make sure fiberoptic cables, and the electronics these networks will be built here. The vast majority will come from the u. S. Defined mass majority of it. I think we said close to 90 of the equipment deployed in the network is going to be built in america for. Good, thank you for that you how important that is we all learned some important lessons during the pandemic we need to have manufacturing over here. Help me about how youre going to close the Digital Divide<\/a> while doing this will bring manufacturing back to america . The big thing has been to incentivize companies to bring these jobs and manufacturing back into the u. S. By creating very clear standards for what that looks like. We have already seen ive been part of a half a dozen announcements already have many more companies menorah doing this, announcing jobs and trade more manufacturing back here. Because of that there are thousands of jobs. On the ask you this. Is there anything we can help you with in that respect . First of all congress did the heart part by holding our feet to the fire and giving us the instruction. Understood. The final build america, by america waiver has still not been released. When you think it will be released . Because out for public, earlier this fall. We received a fair number of comments about it. Which that is to be expected. We work into those comments now. I would say weeks not months. Fcc rules on Digital Discrimination<\/a>. Why did ntia asked to be excluded from the Digital Discrimination<\/a> requirement . I think our view has been that we have always started a butwanting to make this program work as efficiently and smoothly as possible to create as a few burdens for providers as a possible when they come in. We know Digital Discrimination<\/a> proceeding they have a final rule out there. We also felt there is a fair amount of oversight that comes from providers who participate in the program. We have rules for that we have oversight of the state and our sense was the providers are already getting that oversight in the context of the b program should not also then need to have the oversight that would come in the digital progress you agree federal government should have not have to play by different set of rules course request the same set of rules but the fact is if they checked the box once for us on be this you have to go through the exercise of checking the box twice. Okay. Lets talk real quickly about the National Spectrum<\/a> strategy. It calls for an National Test<\/a> for dynamic spectrum sharing to be stood up. I think 12 and 18 months . Will this be carried out by the institute for Communication Sciences<\/a> . Whats our expectation for salt a very important part of this we see sharing as an increasingly important part of our spectrum ecosystem. We have as you said put out a target of creating a dynamic pilot here like a real capability that exists for the next generation spectrum sharing it wont just be done by an cia and other Agency Partners<\/a> including dod are going to step up and help us build up a. Okay, my time is expired but thank you again for being here we appreciate it very much. The chair now recognizes the scent of soda from florida for five minutes. Thank you chairman welcome administrator davidson. We have a big job ahead of us over the next few years and i appreciate you being here today. When we look at with its funds American Rescue<\/a> plan or the infrastructure lost 65 billion for nationwide broadband investment 42 billion for the broadbent equity access. And the deployment vertebra inside a fort is 1. 7 million coming our way. We have seen a ready areas in the district like bull creek, deer park, these are areas predominately ranchlands and citrus lands finally getting access to highspeed internet. I know theres a deadline coming up december 27. How do you think it has been going in florida and some the other states as far as putting together the proposal . I know theres a question whether we need to extend the deadline or not how does it going do you feel . We are cautiously optimistic in the sense that we have been really pleased to see state stepping up. Every state as i said and territories put out a plan for Public Comment<\/a> that i will be honest was a concern we required states to put out a there plan a 30 day ahead of time to the public and see them for every state is out now. And with time to turn it around and meet the december choice of target. We fully expect every state and territory will meet that deadline and were excited to we the plans as they come in. Hi been hearing them im glad our state is also on time and doing that. And your testimony you mentioned as we are expanding broadband its also going to help us expand it jobs in manufacturing. We see with the inflation reduction that, the chips act, the construction of new factories has doubled in the United States<\/a>. How does it fit into all of this to help harness manufacturing renaissance here in the unite states . Thank you for the question. From the beginning its not just a conductivity program but also jobs and manufacturing program. We know theyre going to be tens of thousands week spoke well over wondered a thousand new jobs created implement in the program, building out those networks, spending that billions of dollars. And also we are required to the by america provisions in the law to make sure its much of this equipment is being manufactured here in the United States<\/a> as possible. Until we put together pretty high bar on how we are approaching that and making sure that company step up, and they are weve already seen thousands of jobs created that have been announced without a shovel hitting the ground simply companies building up their manufacturing capabilities, investing in new Assembly Lines<\/a> and manufacturing because the demand they know is coming from these networks. Jobs are telecommunication equipment to manufacture as well as the installation. Thats a lot coming our way im excited were hitting the 90 or above threshold. Central florida south 67th saw h rocket launch of the year. That is a record we may hit closer to 80 or 90 by the end of the year. I have a bill the launch Communications Act<\/a> which is set to require you all to work alongside the fcc to improve coordination on spectrum. So we appreciate the Technical Assistance<\/a> or agency has provided to us on that. Those rockets are sending upstart linke satellites as you may know. Even with the build up we have isolated areas in our district a rancher family may not have a near neighbor a couple miles away. So as you are looking at evaluating criteria in evaluating the new technologies, what are some things were looking at as well as the potential of technology in southern fire participating in the program . Thanks for the question. We know to connect everybody in america is very challenging. I know even in your district there thousands of households that maps show are unconnected. And we know to do that were going to make sure we use every tool in the tool kit that is possible. We want everybody to have the best connection that they can. But we also need to make sure we are connecting everybody. We fully expect to be a lot of Fiber Deployments<\/a> there will be a wireless deployment and low satellite. It will be an incredibly important part of the very long tail. That will be a big piece of it. 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