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A digital revolution is underway as the world prepares for the implementation of 5G, the next generation cellular network standard. With promises of lightning-fast speed, seamless smart cities, and support for autonomous technologies, 5G has the potential to reshape our digital world. However, behind this progress lies a dark reality – the looming threat of cyber warfare driven by great power competition.

Recent events have brought national cybersecurity and telecommunications resilience to the forefront of concern for the U.S. intelligence community. Chinese hackers have been deploying sophisticated malware to target American military operations, raising urgent alarms. In this context, the name Huawei stands out, as the Chinese telecommunications giant with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Huawei’s dominance in the global telecommunications market has been overshadowed by fears of espionage and intellectual property theft. Since 2017, the company has been banned from operating in the United States due to these concerns. However, Huawei continues to tighten its grip on the global market while Congress remains deadlocked on 5G spectrum allocation, putting the U.S. at a disadvantage in the global competition.

The scarcity of proper 5G spectrum for the U.S. telecommunications industry presents a significant geopolitical challenge with far-reaching implications. As the digital landscape becomes the new battleground for global supremacy, the lack of American leadership in setting communication equipment standards leaves the nation vulnerable to cyber attacks. This urgency is emphasized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies report, which highlights the deficiency of vital mid-band licensed spectrum. Projections indicate a significant deficit by 2027 and 2032, while China has assigned more licensed mid-band spectrum for 5G compared to the United States.

Congress plays a crucial role in addressing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) relicensing issue. By giving the FCC auctioning authority, Congress determines how much spectrum can be auctioned off to wireless providers. However, Congress failed to extend the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, limiting the ability to expand commercial spectrum access. This oversight undermines America’s ability to lead in the development of cutting-edge wireless technologies.

The lack of spectrum availability reduces the capacity and speed of networks, making them less efficient and more vulnerable to cyber attacks. This vulnerability could lead to disruptions in critical infrastructure, such as the energy grid and financial systems, posing harm to national security and the economy.

The United States risks falling behind in technological leadership, ceding ground to competitors, and losing its ability to influence the direction of the digital economy. Additionally, the nation risks falling behind in AI technology, which heavily depends on 5G capabilities. The secure exchange and processing of data provided by 5G are vital for generative AI, but strong security measures are necessary to prevent data breaches.

Furthermore, the availability of 5G spectrum directly impacts a nation’s economic competitiveness. Countries with advanced 5G networks will attract investments, foster innovation, and drive economic growth. Without control over the digital spectrum, the United States risks losing its position as a global technology leader and allowing foreign entities to shape the future of communication equipment.

It is crucial for Congress to address the reestablishment of control over the 5G spectrum and promote the development of secure networks. This will ensure national security, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain economic competitiveness in the digital age.

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