Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022

Hozzl · 2022-12-29T23:48:35Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 4117 Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/29/2022, 11:48 PM

Congressional Summary of S 4117

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021

This bill specifies a process for auctioning a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 3100 megahertz (MHz) and 3540 MHz for nonfederal use, shared federal and nonfederal use, or a combination of those uses. Most wireless technologies (e.g., mobile communication) rely on the electromagnetic spectrum to transmit signals.

Specifically, the Office of Management and Budget must transfer funding from the Spectrum Reallocation Fund to federal entities for planning related to the reallocation. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Executive Office of the President must oversee the planning.

Informed by the planning, the Department of Commerce must identify at least 200 MHz of spectrum for reallocation. In identifying the spectrum, Commerce must consult with the Department of Defense, the Office of National Science and Technology Policy, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC must (1) adopt rules authorizing the use of the identified spectrum in consultation with the NTIA, and (2) auction licenses for the identified spectrum within seven years of the bill's enactment.

Additionally, the President must modify or withdraw (subject to certain limits) current federal assignments of the identified spectrum to increase nonfederal use. The FCC must allow for opportunistic uses (i.e., allow devices to opportunistically identify and transmit on unused spectrum without infringing on the rights of the spectrum license holder) of a withdrawn or modified assignment. An allowed opportunistic use must cease after the auction if the use is inconsistent with the rights of the licensee that obtains its license through the auction.

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Current Status of Bill S 4117

Bill S 4117 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 28, 2022. Bill S 4117 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the Senate on April 28, 2022. Bill S 4117's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of April 28, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 4117

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 4117

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact Areas

Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdvisory bodiesBroadcasting, cable, digital technologiesComputer security and identity theftCongressional oversightDepartment of CommerceEmergency communications systemsFederal Communications Commission (FCC)First responders and emergency personnelGovernment information and archivesGovernment trust fundsLicensing and registrationsPerformance measurementRadio spectrum allocationState and local government operationsTelecommunication rates and feesTelephone and wireless communication

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 4117

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022A bill to make available additional frequencies in the 3.1-3.45 GHz band for non-Federal use, shared Federal and non-Federal use, or a combination thereof, and for other purposes.

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