A recently introduced bipartisan bill urges the United States government to intensify its diplomatic engagement to ensure US interests in telecoms are met, and to set out a strategy to “promote and dominate 6G technology globally.” It passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee last Wednesday, April 22, and now goes to the House Floor.
The “USA 6G Global Leadership Act” imposes additional duties on the Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, a role currently held by Nathaniel Fick. According to the text, the Ambassador should be responsible for coordinating talks at the ITU level to promote US interests in this field, specifically to counter efforts by China and Russia.
“China’s use of malign non-market practices to accelerate its development of 5G and 6G technology is coercive and constrains countries’ access to reliable and secure telecommunications services,” said Representative Julie Johnson (D-TX), who introduced the bill, in the legislation text.
The bill would also require the Ambassador to represent the US private sector entities’ views and perspectives in the ITU elections process, including promoting candidates aligned with the US agenda.
It also establishes that the Ambassador should coordinate “across Federal departments and agencies to advance the US interests” ahead of the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027.
6G Technology Dominance Strategy
The Act also requires the Secretary of State to submit a report detailing the United States’ plans to promote and dominate 6G technology globally.
The report must include:
- Actions to deepen cooperation with like-minded countries to promote the United States and allied market leadership in 6G networks and technologies;
- Efforts to coordinate and cooperate with relevant Federal departments and agencies, as well as United States-based private sector entities, to plan, strategise, and conduct diplomatic engagements at telecommunication standard-setting bodies and organisations; and
- The effects and impacts of competition in artificial intelligence and other critical or emerging technologies, including the role of LEO satellites, in ensuring that the United States remains the partner of choice in 6G infrastructure.
“The race to 6G is underway, and the United States cannot afford to fall behind. The USA 6G Global Leadership Act ensures that we—not our adversaries—set the standards while strengthening our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Johnson in a press release.
The bill is cosponsored by representatives Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Michael Lawler (R-NY), and Brad Sherman (D-CA).
