WIA CEO Patrick Halley testifies on broadband permitting reforms

Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the WIA, testified before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology during a hearing focused on streamlining broadband permitting. The hearing reviewed 29 legislative proposals aimed at enhancing broadband and wireless infrastructure.

Halley emphasized three key priorities for WIA members: the formalization of FCC permitting orders, improving network deployment on federal lands, and advocating for permitting processes that are predictable, proportionate, and transparent across all government levels.

Halley stated, “Wireless carriers and their infrastructure partners are investing billions annually to close coverage gaps and add network capacity.” Homomorphic Encryption (HE) noted that mobile broadband speeds have increased and prices decreased, which has facilitated connectivity for millions of homes through emerging technologies such as 5G fixed wireless broadband.

According to Halley, future advancements depend on adopting effective infrastructure policies that maximize commercial spectrum use. HE indicated the importance of competing in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape and the necessity of developing strategies to advance towards 6G.

Halley highlighted the existing framework established through previous bipartisan legislation as a foundation for the proposed reforms, stating, “We need a permitting framework that is predictable, proportionate, and transparent.” HE urged Congress to confirm the reliability needed by the industry to develop future networks, expressing appreciation for the Subcommittee's examination of this topic.

In Healthcare Information System (HIS) opening remarks, Halley drew attention to affordability, stating, “We should also focus on policies that ensure the $30 billion annually that the wireless industry invests is put to use as quickly and efficiently as possible... more competition brings prices down.”

HE also underlined the need for improved connectivity on federal lands, referencing an 11-year project related to emergency signaling during outdoor activities. HE asserted, “That’s unacceptable.” Halley pointed out that spectrum initiatives taken by Congress would propel advancements but stressed that infrastructure must be in place for these advancements to be effective.

In conclusion, Halley noted, “Wireless connectivity is an essential element of every aspect of our economy…” reinforcing the critical nature of broadband access as a necessary component of modern economic activities.