The U.S. Government Shouldn’t Run the Country’s 5G Network

The White House recently outlined its vision for U.S. deployment of next-generation high-speed mobile networks, known as 5G. Their plan included new auctions for needed high-frequency radio spectrum, reallocation of $20 billion in annual universal service funds for fiber-optic deployments in rural areas, streamlined permitting requirements, and the continued development of a National Spectrum Strategy, which will identify and free up underutilized frequencies currently assigned to federal agencies. But the real significance of the meeting is what the Trump administration didn’t announce: a single 5G network built, secured, and operated by the federal government itself. Approaches to government intervention differ around the world, but government’s proposed role in the 5G buildout underscored the success of bi-partisan policy that goes back to the 1990’s, which leaves digital infrastructure largely to private sector development — especially when the needs of U.S non-digital systems like roads and airports are in need of federal support.