Government Spectrum Valuation: Assessing Federal Radio Frequencies for Commercial Use.
This Act mandates the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to regularly estimate the commercial value of electromagnetic spectrum currently used by federal entities. The valuation must be based on the highest potential value if the spectrum were reallocated for licensed or unlicensed commercial wireless services. While the law does not immediately reallocate the spectrum, it aims to increase transparency and provide data that could lead to future spectrum releases, potentially boosting commercial wireless services like 5G for consumers.
Key points
Mandatory Valuation: NTIA must estimate the value of federal spectrum (3 kHz to 95 GHz) on a rolling schedule (every 3 years).
Commercial Potential Basis: The valuation must reflect the spectrum's worth if it were used for commercial wireless services, prioritizing potential economic benefit.
Financial Reporting: Federal agencies must report the estimated value of their assigned spectrum in their annual budgets and financial statements, increasing accountability.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_999
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Process start date: 2023-03-28