To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding.

12/15/2023, 3:54 PM

This bill extends through May 19, 2023, the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to conduct auctions for electromagnetic spectrum licenses. (The authority currently expires on March 9, 2023.)

Bill 118 hr 1108, also known as the "Federal Communications Commission Competitive Bidding Extension Act," aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant licenses or construction permits through a system of competitive bidding.

The bill seeks to allow the FCC to continue using competitive bidding as a method for allocating licenses and permits for the use of the public airwaves. This competitive bidding process helps ensure that these valuable resources are allocated efficiently and fairly, while also promoting competition in the telecommunications industry.

By extending the FCC's authority to use competitive bidding, the bill aims to promote innovation, investment, and consumer choice in the telecommunications sector. It also helps prevent monopolies or anti-competitive behavior by ensuring that licenses and permits are awarded based on merit and not on political influence or other factors. Overall, Bill 118 hr 1108 is designed to modernize and improve the regulatory framework governing the allocation of licenses and permits for the use of the public airwaves, ultimately benefiting consumers and promoting a more competitive and innovative telecommunications industry.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 1108

Introduced on
2023-02-21

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/27/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

This bill extends through May 19, 2023, the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to conduct auctions for electromagnetic spectrum licenses. (The authority currently expires on March 9, 2023.)

Bill 118 hr 1108, also known as the "Federal Communications Commission Competitive Bidding Extension Act," aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant licenses or construction permits through a system of competitive bidding.

The bill seeks to allow the FCC to continue using competitive bidding as a method for allocating licenses and permits for the use of the public airwaves. This competitive bidding process helps ensure that these valuable resources are allocated efficiently and fairly, while also promoting competition in the telecommunications industry.

By extending the FCC's authority to use competitive bidding, the bill aims to promote innovation, investment, and consumer choice in the telecommunications sector. It also helps prevent monopolies or anti-competitive behavior by ensuring that licenses and permits are awarded based on merit and not on political influence or other factors. Overall, Bill 118 hr 1108 is designed to modernize and improve the regulatory framework governing the allocation of licenses and permits for the use of the public airwaves, ultimately benefiting consumers and promoting a more competitive and innovative telecommunications industry.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding.

Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact
Licensing and registrations
Radio spectrum allocation

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/8/2023

This bill extends through May 19, 2023, the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to conduct auctions for electromagnetic spectrum licenses. (The authority currently expires on March 9, 2023.)


Latest Action3/3/2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.