Government Spectrum Valuation Act
- Bill Number
- S. 792
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-26T12:20:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Government Spectrum Valuation Act aims to require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to regularly estimate the economic value of electromagnetic spectrum—radio frequencies used for wireless communications—currently assigned to federal government entities. This valuation is intended to inform better spectrum management, potentially highlighting opportunities for reallocation to commercial uses while protecting essential government operations.
Key Provisions
- Scope of Spectrum: Covers frequencies from 3 kilohertz (kHz) to 95 gigahertz (GHz), a range used for everything from basic radio signals to advanced wireless technologies.
- Estimation Process: NTIA must consult with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to estimate the value of spectrum assigned to each federal entity (e.g., agencies like the Department of Defense).
- Valuation Basis: Estimates are based on the spectrum's potential value if reassigned to the highest-value commercial wireless services (licensed, like cell phone networks, or unlicensed, like Wi-Fi). NTIA must consider federal agencies' ongoing needs to avoid disrupting critical missions and use "dynamic scoring" (a method that accounts for broader economic effects like job growth or innovation).
- Schedule:
- Frequencies 3 kHz to 33 GHz: Within 1 year of enactment, then every 3 years.
- 33 GHz to 66 GHz: Within 2 years, then every 3 years.
- 66 GHz to 95 GHz: Within 3 years, then every 3 years.
- Disclosure and Reporting: NTIA must publicly explain its methodology, but sensitive information (classified, law enforcement-related, or proprietary) is withheld from public release and shared only with Congress upon request in a secure format. Federal entities must include the latest spectrum value estimates in their annual budgets (submitted to the President) and financial statements.
- Amendments: Adds a new section (105) to the NTIA Organization Act and updates references to existing sections for consistency.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) by inserting a new requirement for periodic spectrum valuations, which did not previously exist in this form. It redesignates one existing section and makes minor technical updates to cross-references, but does not alter core NTIA or FCC authorities over spectrum allocation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Federal entities will need to incorporate spectrum values into budgeting and financial reporting, potentially increasing scrutiny of their spectrum use and encouraging efficiency to justify holdings. This could lead to more coordinated spectrum sharing or reallocations without harming national security or public safety missions.
- On Citizens: May indirectly benefit consumers by promoting efficient spectrum use, which could lower costs or improve availability for commercial services like mobile data and broadband, fostering innovation in wireless technology.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though accurate valuations could strengthen U.S. positions in global spectrum negotiations (e.g., at international telecom conferences) by demonstrating responsible management of a shared global resource.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government Entities: Agencies holding spectrum (e.g., military, FAA, law enforcement) must report values and adapt to potential reallocations.
- NTIA, FCC, and OMB: Gain new responsibilities for consultations, estimates, and disclosures.
- Commercial Wireless Industry: Telecom companies and tech firms could benefit from insights into spectrum availability for auctions or expanded services.
- Congress: Receives detailed reports and access to sensitive data, enabling oversight of spectrum policy.
- General Public: As users of wireless services, indirectly affected through improved access and economic efficiency.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces NTIA's role in spectrum management under existing statutes without granting new enforcement powers; ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information, aligning with laws on classified data (e.g., under the Freedom of Information Act exemptions).
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; supports Congress's authority over federal budgeting and commerce (Article I), promoting accountable use of public resources like spectrum.
- Political: Could spark debates on balancing federal needs (e.g., defense) against commercial demands, potentially influencing future spectrum auctions for revenue (historically billions of dollars). It encourages data-driven policy without mandating reallocations, reducing risks of partisan gridlock.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Government Spectrum Valuation Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (5 pages)