Sponsors (2)
The bill accelerates and expands repurposing of mid/high‑band spectrum to boost commercial mobile capacity and unlicensed connectivity (with potential device‑cost and deployment benefits), but it increases fiscal and oversight risks and could disrupt critical federal systems or favor larger commercial entrants over smaller competitors.
Consumers and mobile providers gain access to at least 1,250 MHz for full‑power commercial broadband, enabling materially faster mobile speeds and greater network capacity.
Students and low‑income households stand to benefit from at least 125 MHz being made available for unlicensed use within two years, supporting Wi‑Fi growth and lower‑cost connectivity options.
Reallocating up to 2,500 MHz across mid/high bands could better harmonize U.S. spectrum with global allocations, lowering device costs and speeding commercial deployments and equipment availability.
Federal systems that rely on the affected bands (defense, aviation, weather, public‑safety) face risk of disruption during relocation or sharing transitions, potentially degrading critical services.
Relocation and replacement costs — including higher payouts if 'state‑of‑the‑art' replacements are reimbursed — may increase fiscal pressure on the Spectrum Relocation Fund and taxpayers, limiting funds for other priorities.
Delays or insufficient relocation funding could push back spectrum auctions and commercial deployments despite statutory timelines, slowing the intended consumer benefits and industry investment.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Directs NTIA and the FCC to identify and transition 2,500 MHz of 1.3–13.2 GHz Federal/shared spectrum to licensed, shared, or unlicensed use on a multi‑year schedule and tightens relocation fund rules and timelines.
Introduced January 23, 2025 by Rick W. Allen · Last progress January 23, 2025
Directs the Commerce Department (NTIA Assistant Secretary) working with the FCC to identify and transition 2,500 MHz of spectrum in the 1.3–13.2 GHz range from Federal or shared Federal/non‑Federal use into non‑Federal licensed, shared, or unlicensed use on a multi‑year schedule, including at least 1,250 MHz suitable for full‑power commercial licensed broadband. Sets firm multi-year deadlines for identification, auctions, and unlicensed availability and tightens timelines and reimbursement rules for Federal agencies that must relocate or modify systems to free up spectrum.