Should More Unlicensed Spectrum Be Freed Up to Boost American Innovation and Job Creation?

Should More Unlicensed Spectrum Be Freed Up to Boost American Innovation and Job Creation?

Here’s The Scoop

In the age of digital innovation, President Trump’s first term brought forth a groundbreaking policy that many might not have heard of but has had a profound impact on America’s economic growth: the promotion of unlicensed spectrum. This policy, which allows radio frequencies to be used by anyone without a license, has been a game-changer for small businesses, remote learning, and the pursuit of the next big idea. Wi-Fi has become an essential infrastructure, driving our economy forward.

By 2027, Wi-Fi is expected to contribute a staggering $2.4 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting over 13 million jobs and offering significant consumer benefits. This number is projected to grow to 21 million jobs by 2032. The success story began with President Trump’s bold decision to open up the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, a move that prevented multinational mobile carriers from monopolizing the spectrum and instead made it accessible to the American people. This decision, embraced by nearly 70 other countries, has been a resounding success.

President Trump’s approach was a testament to respecting incumbents, fostering innovation, and relying on private sector investment. The policy was initially projected to generate $180 billion over five years but astonishingly delivered $870 billion in just two years. By 2027, the value is expected to reach $1.2 trillion, supporting millions of jobs without the need for federal spending programs. This is smart, market-driven policy at its finest, allowing innovators to thrive without government overreach, benefiting both consumers and businesses.

Today, nearly 90 percent of smartphone data travels over Wi-Fi, saving consumers almost $1,000 annually compared to cellular data plans. Without this policy, Americans would face an additional $420 billion in expenses by 2027. Yet, some are now suggesting that this spectrum, which has so greatly benefited the public, should be sold off to fund tax cuts. This misguided approach would hand over a public good to major mobile corporations, allowing them to charge consumers more, putting corporate interests above those of the American people.

The demand for Wi-Fi is surging, driven by advancements in telehealth, augmented reality, remote work, and the internet of things. To meet this demand and prevent bottlenecks and higher consumer costs, the next step is to free up more mid-band spectrum, particularly the 7 GHz band, for unlicensed use. This could support an additional 1.5 million jobs by 2032.

This isn’t about the government picking winners; it’s about removing barriers so the market can thrive. Unleashing more unlicensed spectrum is a low-cost, high-impact reform that conservatives should champion. It’s pro-growth, pro-innovation, and pro-consumer, unlocking access to a finite resource without expanding government or introducing new taxes.

The success of the 6 GHz expansion demonstrated the potential of forward-thinking, pro-growth spectrum policy. Now is the time to build on this success. Expanding unlicensed spectrum is not just good policy; it’s common sense. Let’s continue to free more spectrum, grow our economy, create jobs, and let American innovation lead the way.

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