Looks like the wireless industry may find a friend in Hillary Clinton – when it comes to 5G, at least.
On Tuesday, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the United States laid out a detailed technology policy proposal that includes support for 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) and spectrum initiatives.
In the proposal, Clinton called the roll out of 4G networks in the United States earlier this decade a “success story for policy-makers, industry, and American consumers,” and pledged to “help foster the evolution to 5G.”
Specifically, Clinton said she plans to accelerate the reallocation and repurposing of spectrum for next generation uses by more quickly identifying underutilized bands – including those now used by the federal government. Additionally, Clinton said she will “focus on the full range of spectrum use policies—including new allocations for licensed mobile broadband, as well as unlicensed and shared spectrum approaches.”
Clinton said in the proposal she “believes that creative uses of shared/non-exclusive uses of spectrum could unleash a new wave of innovation in wireless broadband technologies and the Internet of Things, much as Wi-Fi did in the first generation of digital services.”
But Clinton isn’t counting on spectrum initiatives alone to fuel the development of 5G and the Internet of Things.
The proposal includes a commitment from Clinton to dedicate federal funding to “test-bedding, field trials, and other public-private endeavors to speed the deployment of next generation wireless networks and a civic Internet of Things.” Clinton said federal investments under her administration would focus on using advanced wireless and data innovation to drive change in the areas of public safety, health care, environmental management, traffic congestion and social welfare, among other things.
Clinton, however, also said she “strongly supports” the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Net neutrality and its decision to classify Internet service providers as common carriers under Title II. Clinton said her administration would defend the FCC’s rules in court and enforce them.
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has not yet released detailed a technology policy position on his campaign website.
In an October 2015 interview with Breitbart Tech, however, Trump said he is a “big believer in technology” and “will be a strong supporter of expanding tech capabilities in the United States.” Trump also said in the interview he would also ensure the protection of “intellectual property produced in America.” Trump noted he thinks the “increased dependence and addiction to electronic devices is unhealthy,” but said he believes “we will find a balance” as technology trends continue to progress.