Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022

This bill addresses auctions of, and other matters related to, portions of the electromagnetic spectrum allocated for federal use. The bill also establishes grants for and otherwise modifies provisions concerning next generation 9-1-1 systems (i.e., interoperable Internet Protocol-based systems for receiving 9-1-1 calls).

The bill extends to March 31, 2024, the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction and license electromagnetic spectrum. (Under current law, the authority expires on September 30, 2022.)

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for auctioning specified parts of the spectrum currently allocated for federal use. The Office of Management and Budget must transfer certain funding to federal entities for planning activities related to reallocating and auctioning spectrum while the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Executive Office of the President must oversee the planning. The Department of Commerce must, informed by the planning, identify the spectrum to auction.

Further, the bill addresses shared use of spectrum bands by federal and nonfederal users. For example, the NTIA must implement an incumbent informing capability system to manage harmful interference when nonfederal users and incumbent federal entities share spectrum.

The bill also establishes the Public Safety and Secure Networks Fund and directs a portion of spectrum auction proceeds to the fund for, among other purposes, reimbursing telecommunications providers for replacing equipment that poses risks to national security and safety.

Bill 117 HR 7624, also known as the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote innovation and investment in the wireless communications industry by making more spectrum available for commercial use.

The bill aims to achieve this goal by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the current spectrum allocation process and make recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spectrum management. This review would include an assessment of the current spectrum inventory, identification of underutilized spectrum bands, and recommendations for reallocating spectrum to meet the growing demand for wireless services.

Additionally, the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022 seeks to streamline the process for repurposing spectrum for commercial use by establishing clear timelines and deadlines for FCC action. The bill also includes provisions to encourage the deployment of next-generation wireless technologies, such as 5G, by providing incentives for companies to invest in new infrastructure and technologies. Overall, the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022 is aimed at promoting innovation and competition in the wireless communications industry by making more spectrum available for commercial use and encouraging the deployment of advanced technologies. If passed, this legislation could have a significant impact on the future of wireless communications in the United States.