5G Internet On the Way

Murray Hill, NJ - August 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) used a tour of historic Nokia Bell Labs in Murray Hill, N.J. to showcase the work of the U.S. House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, where he serves as the Vice Chair. Lance welcomed Commissioner Michael O’Rielly of the Federal Communications Commission to help lead a round table discussion on the next generation of wireless networks and 5G technology. Lance also welcomed several businesses from the Seventh Congressional District that are helping to pave the way for 5G innovation, including Nokia, Verizon, AT&T, Qualcomm and Samsung. CTIA, the wireless industry trade association, also participated.

“The Internet touches nearly all aspects of American life and the U.S. economy. Every user wants faster speed, better reliability and affordable options. That’s why I’m working to help make the 5G economy a reality and to keep companies like Nokia Bell Labs at the center of this innovation. New Jersey is leading the world and we need to keep it that way,” said Lance. “Many American households now have a number of mobile devices. And small businesses are fully integrated into cutting-edge technology. We have to make sure the laws coming out of Washington are keeping up and allowing these technological advancements to continue to transform public health, the economy and education.”

The panel discussed the potential 5G innovation has to revolutionize wireless communications and the American economy and how the private and public sectors should work together to speed deployment. There was broad agreement among the industry and government stakeholders that removing barriers to deployment such as federal siting rules for small cells and a robust spectrum pipeline are essential to deploying 5G. Head of Policy and Government Relations at Nokia, Brian Hendricks, thanked Congressman Lance for his advocacy on the issue, “Congressman Lance's leadership on technology policy has been an important part of creating a positive investment environment to enable deployment of the next generation of broadband. It will be critical for Congress and the FCC to remain aggressive in removing regulatory barriers to deployment and freeing additional spectrum for mobile broadband.”

Bernardsville Mayor Kevin Sooy attended and highlighted how Bernardsville is one of 11 cities nationwide that Verizon is using to test 5G service. New Providence Mayor Al Morgan also attended and coined #5GinNP. “Thank you to the Nokia Corporation of Murray Hill and Congressman Leonard Lance for inviting me to participate. 5G Technology can potentially improve data rates and speeds for consumers, and for commercial applications in the health, energy, and manufacturing industries. We here in our district will be a hub of 5G development, leading the effort to maintain the United States as a leader in wireless innovation. Very cool indeed!”

Lance sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. The committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and has broad jurisdiction over the commerce of the United States, including the telecommunications and technology industries, through its oversight of the Federal Communications Commission. One of the top priorities of the Committee this Congress is increasing access to broadband internet and encouraging private innovation.