Federal Government Spectrum Inventory Act
- Bill Number
- S. 2869
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-17T16:19:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Federal Government Spectrum Inventory Act (S. 2869) aims to increase transparency and oversight of how the federal government uses radio frequency spectrum in specific bands. Spectrum refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies used for wireless communications, such as radio, TV, and mobile data. By requiring regular reports, the legislation seeks to provide clear information on current and future federal uses, helping with planning and allocation decisions.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is titled the "Federal Government Spectrum Inventory Act."
- Annual Reporting Requirement: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a U.S. Department of Commerce agency that manages federal spectrum use, must publish an annual report called the "Federal Government Spectrum Use Report." The first report is due 180 days after the Act's enactment, with subsequent reports issued yearly.
- Scope of Coverage: The report focuses on frequency bands from 225 megahertz (MHz) to 50 gigahertz (GHz), known as the "covered bands." These bands are used for various federal operations, including defense, aviation, and public safety communications.
- Report Contents:
- An introduction summarizing types of federal spectrum usage in the covered bands.
- An excerpt from the United States Table of Frequency Allocations, showing the latest allocations (official designations of how frequencies can be used) and relevant footnotes that allow additional uses or set limits.
- A table listing the number and type of frequency assignments authorized by NTIA in the covered bands.
- A summary of major systems and applications (e.g., radar, satellite communications) using each band or sub-band.
- Descriptions of planned future uses in each band, if applicable.
- Public Availability: The report must be posted on the NTIA's public website, but it includes a classified annex (a secure section) for sensitive information not released publicly.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces a new mandatory annual reporting requirement for NTIA, which did not previously exist in this specific form. While NTIA already tracks spectrum use under laws like the Communications Act of 1934 (as amended), this Act adds structured, public-facing disclosures focused on the 225 MHz to 50 GHz range. It does not alter existing spectrum allocation rules but enhances documentation and accessibility of federal assignments.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Federal agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, FAA) that rely on spectrum for operations may face increased administrative burdens to provide data to NTIA, but it could lead to more efficient spectrum management and reduced interference.
- On Citizens: Greater public access to spectrum usage details could foster innovation in consumer technologies like 5G wireless and Wi-Fi, potentially improving services such as mobile internet and broadcasting. It may also build public trust through transparency.
- On International Relations: By documenting U.S. allocations and footnotes tied to international agreements (e.g., from the International Telecommunication Union), the reports could support U.S. positions in global spectrum negotiations, aiding diplomacy on shared frequencies used across borders.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government Agencies: Primary users of the covered spectrum, including defense, transportation, and public safety entities, which must contribute data.
- NTIA and Department of Commerce: Responsible for compiling and publishing the reports, increasing their workload.
- Telecommunications Industry and Private Sector: Companies in wireless, satellite, and broadband sectors benefit from transparency, enabling better planning for commercial spectrum auctions or shared use.
- General Public and Researchers: Gain access to non-classified information for education, advocacy, or innovation purposes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The Act aligns with existing statutory authority under the NTIA Organization Act (1974), which governs spectrum management, but adds enforceable reporting deadlines. Non-compliance could lead to congressional oversight or funding reviews.
- Constitutional: No direct conflicts; it promotes transparency consistent with First Amendment principles of public access to government information, while the classified annex respects national security under executive authority.
- Political: As a bipartisan bill (introduced by Sens. Blackburn and Moran), it could encourage broader spectrum reform debates, such as reallocating federal bands for commercial 5G expansion. It may influence future legislation on spectrum auctions, a key revenue source for the federal government, without mandating changes to current uses.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-09-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Federal Government Spectrum Inventory Act — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (3 pages)