Sponsors (2)
The bill frees up and speeds reallocation of federal spectrum to expand commercial and unlicensed wireless capacity—improving broadband and innovation prospects—but does so while increasing costs, compressing agency decision timelines, raising taxpayer exposure, and creating competitive and security risks that disproportionately affect smaller providers and government operations.
Consumers and small businesses gain access to at least 1,250 MHz of full‑power commercial spectrum, enabling higher‑capacity mobile broadband and potential speed/congestion improvements.
Tech workers, small businesses, and the public benefit from at least 125 MHz reserved for unlicensed use, expanding Wi‑Fi capacity and lowering barriers for new wireless innovations and local deployments.
Federal agencies and taxpayers are protected by a requirement for 110% federal cost recovery for relocations and by allowing the Spectrum Relocation Fund to cover modern multi‑function replacement equipment, reducing direct out‑of‑pocket agency costs and supporting more efficient commercial reuse of freed spectrum.
Small carriers and consumers may face higher costs because repurposing federal spectrum requires relocation funded via auction proceeds, which can raise license prices and ultimately be passed on to end users.
Smaller entrants and startups are disadvantaged because spectrum auctions tend to favor large incumbents, making it harder for new competitors to acquire licenses.
Many consumers and businesses face delays because phased timelines (up to eight years for some bands) postpone access to portions of the newly identified spectrum.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Directs NTIA and FCC to identify and transition 2,500 MHz of federal/shared spectrum (1.3–13.2 GHz) to non‑Federal, shared, or unlicensed use, with auctions, timelines, and revised relocation cost rules.
Requires the Commerce Department (NTIA), working with the FCC, to identify and clear 2,500 MHz of spectrum between 1.3 GHz and 13.2 GHz now used by federal or shared federal/non‑federal systems and to make that spectrum available for commercial licensed, shared, or unlicensed use on defined timelines. The FCC must auction at least 1,250 MHz for full‑power commercial licensed use, reserve at least 125 MHz for unlicensed use, cover federal relocation/sharing costs from auction proceeds (at 110%), and meet phased deadlines for identification and auctions. Also shortens NTIA notification timelines, expands what relocation costs the Spectrum Relocation Fund may cover (allowing state‑of‑the‑art replacements when they enable higher‑value reallocation), and requires reports to Congress on progress and plans.
Introduced January 23, 2025 by Rick W. Allen · Last progress January 23, 2025