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.

2/5/2024, 2:30 PM

This bill extends through June 30, 2023, the general authority of the Federal Communications Commission to conduct auctions for electromagnetic spectrum licenses. (This authority expired on March 9, 2023.)

Bill 118 hr 3345, also known as the "Communications Act Amendment Act," aims to make changes to the Communications Act of 1934. The main goal of this bill is to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant licenses or construction permits through a system of competitive bidding.

Currently, the FCC has the power to grant licenses and permits for communication services without using a competitive bidding process. However, this bill seeks to change that by requiring the FCC to use a competitive bidding system when granting these licenses and permits. This means that interested parties would have to submit bids for the licenses or permits, and the FCC would then award them based on the highest bid.

Proponents of the bill argue that using a competitive bidding system would ensure that licenses and permits are awarded to the parties that can provide the best service and benefit the public the most. They believe that this system would promote fair competition and prevent monopolies from forming in the communication industry. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that a competitive bidding system could lead to higher costs for consumers and limit access to communication services for certain groups. They believe that the current system of granting licenses and permits without bidding is more efficient and effective. Overall, the passage of Bill 118 hr 3345 would represent a significant change in how the FCC grants licenses and permits for communication services. It remains to be seen how this bill will be received by Congress and the public, and what impact it will have on the communication industry in the United States.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 3345

Introduced on
2023-05-15

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/15/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

This bill extends through June 30, 2023, the general authority of the Federal Communications Commission to conduct auctions for electromagnetic spectrum licenses. (This authority expired on March 9, 2023.)

Bill 118 hr 3345, also known as the "Communications Act Amendment Act," aims to make changes to the Communications Act of 1934. The main goal of this bill is to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant licenses or construction permits through a system of competitive bidding.

Currently, the FCC has the power to grant licenses and permits for communication services without using a competitive bidding process. However, this bill seeks to change that by requiring the FCC to use a competitive bidding system when granting these licenses and permits. This means that interested parties would have to submit bids for the licenses or permits, and the FCC would then award them based on the highest bid.

Proponents of the bill argue that using a competitive bidding system would ensure that licenses and permits are awarded to the parties that can provide the best service and benefit the public the most. They believe that this system would promote fair competition and prevent monopolies from forming in the communication industry. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that a competitive bidding system could lead to higher costs for consumers and limit access to communication services for certain groups. They believe that the current system of granting licenses and permits without bidding is more efficient and effective. Overall, the passage of Bill 118 hr 3345 would represent a significant change in how the FCC grants licenses and permits for communication services. It remains to be seen how this bill will be received by Congress and the public, and what impact it will have on the communication industry in the United States.
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 Summary10/12/2023

This bill extends through June 30, 2023, the general authority of the Federal Communications Commission to conduct auctions for electromagnetic spectrum licenses. (This authority expired on March 9, 2023.)


Latest Action5/17/2023
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .