Sponsors (36)
The bill directs U.S. agencies to analyze non‑terrestrial/direct‑to‑cell options and foreign ownership to better protect communications and expand information access for Iranians, trading potential connectivity and clearer policy tools against administrative costs, possible taxpayer-funded deployments, and operational/security risks from public reporting.
U.S. policymakers and state government officials will receive actionable analysis of technical and security risks (e.g., jamming, drones) that can inform strategies to protect communications and human rights abroad.
People in Iran could gain expanded internet access if direct-to-cell or non‑terrestrial systems are found feasible, improving access to information and communication for urban and rural communities.
U.S. agencies will identify foreign ownership and control of Iranian telecom providers, helping state governments target diplomacy, sanctions, or other measures to reduce censorship and improve information flows.
U.S. taxpayers could face increased spending or foreign entanglements if the report prompts proposals for costly deployments (e.g., satellite, drone, or other non‑terrestrial systems).
State governments and national security agencies could face heightened risk if the unclassified report reveals U.S. policy intentions or technical approaches that adversaries might exploit unless guarded in a classified annex.
Taxpayers and federal agencies (State, FCC, Treasury) will incur staff time and administrative costs to prepare the mandated report.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced December 4, 2025 by Dave Min · Last progress December 4, 2025
Requires the Secretary of State, working with the FCC and Treasury, to deliver an updated report within 120 days that supplements an existing U.S. government internet freedom strategy for Iran. The report must assess the technical, regulatory, security, economic, and resilience feasibility of direct-to-cell wireless communications and related technologies, analyze impacts of drone platforms and signal jamming, and survey terrestrial and non-terrestrial telecom providers operating in Iran. The report must be unclassified (with an optional classified annex).