Park City, Utah – At the Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit today, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez spoke to attendees, highlighting her priorities as an FCC Commissioner: (1) connectivity; (2) innovation; (3) public safety; and (4) media.  Commissioner Gomez also noted her goal to “connect everyone everywhere.”

In furtherance of these priorities and goals, Commissioner Gomez discussed issues important to rural carriers, such as spectrum sharing, the 5G Rural Fund, NTIA’s BEAD Program, spectrum auction authority, and the Affordable Connectivity Program.  In regard to spectrum sharing, Commissioner Gomez noted her support for policies that will promote flexible spectrum sharing, specifically noting the positive impact of the CBRS spectrum sharing approach.

Commissioner Gomez also discussed the 5G Rural Fund and Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s circulated draft Second Report and Order that would modify the current 5G Rural Fund rules and move the 5G Rural Fund reverse auction forward.  Commissioner Gomez remarked that she hears rural carriers’ concerns related to the accuracy of the broadband maps and the timing of submitting BDC challenges but stated that the “best guidance is to challenge now.”  Commissioner Gomez acknowledged the benefits of waiting to begin the 5G Rural Fund until after BEAD Program awards are made, however, due to varying stages of progress among states, they cannot wait until all BEAD funds are awarded. She also noted that the 5G Rural Fund reverse auction “is not imminent,” given the various procedures that must take place before the reverse auction begins.

Commissioner Gomez also emphasized the need for Congress to reinstate the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, extend and fund the ACP, and fully fund the FCC’s “rip and replace” program.  Gomez specifically noted that the ACP has been a successful tool to bridge the digital divide and that she is “committed to fighting for the ACP.”