US Deputy Security Advisor Warns of Falling Behind China in Telecom, Prioritizes 6G for National Security and Economy
Deputy national security advisor Anne Neuberger has highlighted the risk of the US falling further behind China in the telecommunications sector. Speaking at Cohere Technologies’ 6G Symposium, Neuberger emphasized that China’s status as a global leader in telecommunications is due to significant investments in research and development by companies like Huawei, along with government subsidies. Neuberger stressed the importance of telecommunications for national security and the economy, leading the Biden administration to prioritize it as a key element.
According to Neuberger, China understands the connection between telecommunications, technology, and its own national security and economic leadership. Looking at the US national strategy in this space, she stated the need to address both domestic and international aspects. She also emphasized that an integrated strategy requires investments from the private sector and collaboration with international partners.
To address the challenges, the Biden administration and the US State Department have brought together a group of countries to establish principles for the core elements of 6G. These principles, which focus on sharing spectrum and leveraging artificial intelligence to reduce energy consumption, are being refined before their release in a more strategic document.
Separately, Neuberger expressed the administration’s priority to reinstate the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) authority to conduct spectrum auctions. The FCC lost this authority earlier this year due to the failure of Congress to pass the necessary legislation. Neuberger highlighted the economic benefits of FCC spectrum auctions, which have generated over $233 billion for the US Treasury, as well as their crucial role in underpinning national security technologies. She stressed the need to find a balance that addresses national security needs while ensuring the availability of spectrum for the economy.
The article provides insights into the concerns voiced by Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger regarding the US falling behind China in telecommunications. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing telecommunications for national security and economic reasons and highlights the collaborations and efforts being made by the Biden administration to address these challenges. The reinstatement of the FCC’s spectrum auction authority is also seen as a priority. Overall, the article presents a balanced view and provides valuable information on the topic.