Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), with colleagues Darrell Issa (R-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Doris Matsui (D-CA), has introduced the Wi-Fi Innovation Act (H.R. 5125) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to conduct tests within the 5 GHz band to determine if spectrum can be shared without interfering with current users. H.R. 5125 also acknowledges ongoing efforts related to the development of critical safety applications in vehicles and other intelligent transportation initiatives and creates a study to examine the barriers to Wi-Fi deployment in low-income areas. Last year, the same four lawmakers sent a letter to then Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn urging the Commission to make additional spectrum available for unlicensed use in the 5 GHz band. The Telecommunications Industry Association, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and Consumer Electronics Association have expressed their support for H.R. 5125. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Senate version of the Wi-Fi Innovation Act (S. 2505) in June. The bills have been referred to the appropriate committees of jurisdiction in each chamber for consideration.
