US Takes Steps to Increase Internet Access; 'Wireless Spectrum' to Expand

On Monday, November 13, the Biden administration announced steps aimed at freeing up more 'wireless spectrum' for advanced technology needs and increasing wireless demand, including repurposing spectrum currently allocated to certain federal government sectors. The White House stated it is releasing a 'National Spectrum Strategy' and a presidential memorandum for US spectrum policy that includes 'new actions to improve spectrum management and access, including studying over 2700 megahertz of spectrum for potential repurposing.' The White House has indicated that additional spectrum is key for next-generation wireless services and various advanced technologies, infrastructures, and government needs. According to the White House, 'Innovations such as fifth-generation mobile networks, precision agriculture, drones, and lunar missions require significant amounts of wireless spectrum to operate.' The White House added, 'Future demand for spectrum-based services and technologies is expected to grow significantly across many sectors of our economy, if not all of them.' The ongoing efforts of the US government to expand its citizens' access to the internet include programs like the 'Affordable Connectivity Program' aimed at providing affordable or even free internet to eligible individuals, while governments like the Islamic Republic in Iran continue to impose increasing restrictions against the freedoms of their people in both public and private spheres, including cyberspace. The United States and the European Union, following the protests by Iranians over the killing of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini and the subsequent actions of the Islamic Republic to limit Iranian citizens' access to the internet, have expressed full support for the Iranian people's right to access free internet and have taken actions in this regard, sanctioning individuals and Iranian entities responsible for these restrictions. Limited SIM cards are for Iranian citizens; 'tourist SIM cards' are for tourists. The US President's statement on the anniversary of Mahsa: We will remain committed to standing by the people of Iran. Iran has set a record; it has been ranked first in 'internet restrictions worldwide.' International SIM cards to bypass filtering in Iran are sold for 'up to 90 million tomans.' The US has sanctioned 'Arovan Cloud' for assisting in internet censorship in Iran.