Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025
Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would restore the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority to auction off radio frequency licenses to private companies and telecommunications providers. The FCC's power to conduct these spectrum auctions expired in March 2023 and hasn't been renewed since then. The bill also requires the government to identify radio frequencies currently used by federal agencies (like the military or weather services) that could be freed up for private companies to use instead, either exclusively or in shared arrangements. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly affects telecommunications companies, wireless providers, and other businesses that rely on radio spectrum to operate. It also impacts federal agencies that currently use certain frequencies for government operations.
Indirectly, it could affect consumers through changes in available wireless services and pricing. The general public has an interest since spectrum auctions generate revenue for the government. **Key Provisions:** The bill requires that at least half of any spectrum reallocated from government use must go to commercial purposes (particularly wireless services), and those licenses must be sold through competitive auctions rather than given away. This ensures the government receives payment for valuable public resources. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025This bill renews the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction licenses for the use of radio frequency spectrum, and requires some frequencies currently used by the federal government to be reallocated to permit use by private entities.Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the FCC’s use of competitive bidding (i.e., auctions) to grant licenses for the use of specific frequencies. (The FCC’s auction authority must be renewed by Congress periodically. It expired on March 9, 2023, and has not been renewed.)Further, the bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to identify frequencies currently designated for use by the federal government that may be reallocated to permit use by private entities either exclusively or on a shared basis. At least half of the spectrum identified for reallocation must be allocated to commercial use (including commercial wireless use), and licenses in this category must be auctioned by the FCC within a specified time frame. A separate portion of the spectrum must be allocated to unlicensed use. (Unlicensed frequencies are commonly used to support Wi-Fi, connected appliances, wearable consumer devices, and other electronics.) The bill also makes certain changes to the process for compensating federal entities that relocate to new frequencies under a spectrum reallocation plan. The bill shortens the time frame for congressional review of payments to these entities, and permits such payments to be used to cover the cost of replacing existing systems and equipment with state-of-the-art upgrades.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.