Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act
AN ACT
To provide opportunities for broadband investment, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Definitions
In this Act:
Appropriate committees of Congress— The term appropriate committees of Congress means—
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and
each committee of the Senate or of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over a Federal entity affected by the applicable section in which the term appears.
Commission— The term Commission means the Federal Communications Commission.
Federal entity— The term Federal entity has the meaning given the term in section 113(l) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(l)).
NTIA— The term NTIA means the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce.
OMB— The term OMB means the Office of Management and Budget.
Secretary— The term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce.
Sec. 3 Making 500 megahertz available
Requirements—
In general— Consistent with the Presidential Memorandum of June 28, 2010, entitled “Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution” and establishing a goal of making a total of 500 megahertz of Federal and non-Federal spectrum available on a licensed or unlicensed basis for wireless broadband use by 2020, not later than December 31, 2020, the Secretary, working through the NTIA, and the Commission shall make available a total of at least 255 megahertz of Federal and non-Federal spectrum below the frequency of 6000 megahertz for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use.
Unlicensed and licensed use— Of the spectrum made available under paragraph (1), not less than—
100 megahertz shall be made available on an unlicensed basis; and
100 megahertz shall be made available on an exclusive, licensed basis for commercial mobile use, pursuant to the Commission's authority to implement such licensing in a flexible manner, and subject to potential continued use of such spectrum by incumbent Federal entities in designated geographic areas indefinitely or for such length of time stipulated in transition plans approved by the Technical Panel under section 113(h) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(h)) for those incumbent entities to be relocated to alternate spectrum.
Non-eligible spectrum— For purposes of satisfying the requirement under paragraph (1), the following spectrum shall not be counted:
The frequencies between 1695 and 1710 megahertz.
The frequencies between 1755 and 1780 megahertz.
The frequencies between 2155 and 2180 megahertz.
The frequencies between 3550 and 3700 megahertz.
Spectrum that the Commission determines had more than de minimis mobile or fixed wireless broadband operations within the band on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
Relocation prioritized over sharing— This section shall be carried out in accordance with section 113(j) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(j)).
Considerations— In making spectrum available under this section, the Secretary and Commission shall consider—
the need to preserve critical existing and planned Federal Government capabilities;
the impact on existing State, local, and tribal government capabilities;
the international implications;
the need for appropriate enforcement mechanisms and authorities; and
the importance of the deployment of wireless broadband services in rural areas of the United States.
Rules of construction— Nothing in this section shall be construed—
to impair or otherwise affect the functions of the Director of OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals;
to require the disclosure of classified information, law enforcement sensitive information, or other information that must be protected in the interest of national security; or
to affect any requirement under section 156 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 921 note), as added by section 1062(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, or any other relevant statutory requirement applicable to the reallocation of Federal spectrum.
Sec. 4 Millimeter wave spectrum
Feasibility assessment— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the NTIA, in consultation with the Commission, shall conduct a feasibility assessment regarding the impact, on Federal entities and operations in any of the following bands, of authorizing mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including for advanced mobile service operations, in the following bands:
The band between 31800 and 33400 megahertz.
The band between 71000 and 76000 megahertz.
The band between 81000 and 86000 megahertz.
Requirements— In conducting the feasibility assessment under subsection (a), the NTIA shall—
consult directly with Federal entities with respect to frequencies allocated to Federal use by such entities in the bands identified in that subsection;
consider what, if any, impact authorizing mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including advanced mobile services operations, in any of such frequencies would have on an affected Federal entity; and
identify any such frequencies in the bands described in that subsection that the NTIA assessment determines are feasible for authorizing for mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including any advanced mobile service operations.
Report to Congress and the Commission— Not later than 30 days after the date the feasibility assessment under subsection (a) is complete, the NTIA shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the feasibility assessment and provide a copy to the Commission.
FCC proceeding— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act or 90 days after the date it receives the feasibility assessment under subsection (c), whichever is earlier, the Commission, in consultation with the NTIA, shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to consider service rules to authorize mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including for advanced mobile service operations, in the following radio frequency bands:
The band between 24250 and 24450 megahertz.
The band between 25050 and 25250 megahertz.
The band between 31800 and 33400 megahertz, except for any frequencies with Federal allocations.
The band between 42000 and 42500 megahertz.
The band between 71000 and 76000 megahertz, except for any frequencies with Federal allocations.
The band between 81000 and 86000 megahertz, except for any frequencies with Federal allocations.
Any frequencies with Federal allocations identified as feasible under subsection (b)(3).
Considerations— In conducting a rulemaking under subsection (d), the Commission shall—
consult with Federal entities via the NTIA regarding the frequencies described in subsection (d)(7);
consider how the bands described in subsection (d) may be used to provide commercial wireless broadband service, including whether—
such spectrum may be best used for licensed or unlicensed services, or some combination thereof; and
to permit additional licensed operations in such bands on a shared basis; and
include technical characteristics under which the bands described in subsection (d) may be employed for mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including any appropriate coexistence requirements.
Sec. 5 3 gigahertz spectrum
Between 3100 megahertz and 3550 megahertz— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and in consultation with the Commission and the head of each affected Federal agency (or a designee thereof), the Secretary shall submit to the Commission and the appropriate committees of Congress a report evaluating the feasibility of allowing commercial wireless services, licensed or unlicensed, to share use of the frequencies between 3100 megahertz and 3550 megahertz.
Between 3700 megahertz and 4200 megahertz— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, and in consultation with the Secretary and the head of each affected Federal agency (or a designee thereof), the Commission shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a report evaluating the feasibility of allowing commercial wireless services, licensed or unlicensed, to share use of the frequencies between 3700 megahertz and 4200 megahertz.
Requirements— A report under subsection (a) or (b) shall include the following:
An assessment of the operations of Federal entities that operate Federal Government stations authorized to use the frequencies described in that subsection.
An assessment of the possible impacts of such sharing on Federal and non-Federal users already operating on the frequencies described in that subsection.
The criteria that may be necessary to ensure shared licensed or unlicensed services would not cause harmful interference to Federal or non-Federal users already operating in the frequencies described in that subsection.
If such sharing is feasible, an identification of which of the frequencies described in that subsection are most suitable for sharing with commercial wireless services through the assignment of new licenses by competitive bidding, for sharing with unlicensed operations, or through a combination of licensing and unlicensed operations.
Commission action— The Commission, in consultation with the NTIA, shall seek public comment on the reports required under subsections (a) and (b), including regarding the bands identified in such reports as feasible pursuant to subsection (c)(4).
Sec. 6 Communications facilities deployment on Federal property
In general— Section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1455) is amended by striking subsections (b), (c), and (d) and inserting the following:
“(b) Federal easements, rights-of-Way, and leases
“(1) Grant—If an executive agency, a State, a political subdivision or agency of a State, or a person, firm, or organization applies for the grant of an easement, right-of-way, or lease to, in, over, or on a building or other property owned by the Federal Government for the right to install, construct, modify, or maintain a communications facility installation, the executive agency having control of the building or other property may grant to the applicant, on behalf of the Federal Government, subject to paragraph (5), an easement, right-of-way, or lease to perform such installation, construction, modification, or maintenance.
“(2) Application
“(A) In general—The Administrator of General Services shall develop a common form for applications for easements, rights-of-way, and leases under paragraph (1) for all executive agencies that, except as provided in subparagraph (B), shall be used by all executive agencies and applicants with respect to the buildings or other property of each such agency.
“(B) Exception—The requirement under subparagraph (A) for an executive agency to use the common form developed by the Administrator of General Services shall not apply to an executive agency if the head of an executive agency notifies the Administrator that the executive agency uses a substantially similar application.
“(3) Fee
“(A) In general—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator of General Services shall establish a fee for the grant of an easement, right-of-way, or lease pursuant to paragraph (1) that is based on direct cost recovery.
“(B) Exceptions—The Administrator of General Services may establish exceptions to the fee amount required under subparagraph (A)—
“(i) in consideration of the public benefit provided by a grant of an easement, right-of-way, or lease; and
“(ii) in the interest of expanding wireless and broadband coverage.
“(4) Use of fees collected—Any fee amounts collected by an executive agency pursuant to paragraph (3) may be made available, as provided in appropriations Acts, to such agency to cover the costs of granting the easement, right-of-way, or lease.
“(5) Timely consideration of applications
“(A) In general—Not later than 270 days after the date on which an executive agency receives a duly filed application for an easement, right-of-way, or lease under this subsection, the executive agency shall—
“(i) grant or deny, on behalf of the Federal Government, the application; and
“(ii) notify the applicant of the grant or denial.
“(B) Explanation of denial—If an executive agency denies an application under subparagraph (A), the executive agency shall notify the applicant in writing, including a clear statement of the reasons for the denial.
“(C) Applicability of environmental laws—Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to relieve an executive agency of the requirements of division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(D) Point of contact—Upon receiving an application under subparagraph (A), an executive agency shall designate one or more appropriate individuals within the executive agency to act as a point of contact with the applicant.
“(c) Master contracts for communications facility installation sitings
“(1) In general—Notwithstanding section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–104; 110 Stat. 151) or any other provision of law, the Administrator of General Services shall—
“(A) develop one or more master contracts that shall govern the placement of communications facility installations on buildings and other property owned by the Federal Government; and
“(B) in developing the master contract or contracts, standardize the treatment of the placement of communications facility installations on building rooftops or facades, the placement of communications facility installations on rooftops or inside buildings, the technology used in connection with communications facility installations placed on Federal buildings and other property, and any other key issues the Administrator of General Services considers appropriate.
“(2) Applicability—The master contract or contracts developed by the Administrator of General Services under paragraph (1) shall apply to all publicly accessible buildings and other property owned by the Federal Government, unless the Administrator of General Services decides that issues with respect to the siting of a communications facility installation on a specific building or other property warrant nonstandard treatment of such building or other property.
“(3) Application
“(A) In general—The Administrator of General Services shall develop a common form or set of forms for communications facility installation siting applications that, except as provided in subparagraph (B), shall be used by all executive agencies and applicants with respect to the buildings and other property of each such agency.
“(B) Exception—The requirement under subparagraph (A) for an executive agency to use the common form or set of forms developed by the Administrator of General Services shall not apply to an executive agency if the head of the executive agency notifies the Administrator that the executive agency uses a substantially similar application.
“(d) Definitions—In this section:
“(1) Communications facility installation—The term communications facility installation includes—
“(A) any infrastructure, including any transmitting device, tower, or support structure, and any equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or cabinets, associated with the licensed or permitted unlicensed wireless or wireline transmission of writings, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, and sounds of all kinds; and
“(B) any antenna or apparatus that—
“(i) is designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency;
“(ii) is designed to be operated, or is operating, from a fixed location pursuant to authorization by the Commission or is using duly authorized devices that do not require individual licenses; and
“(iii) is added to a tower, building, or other structure.
“(2) Executive agency—The term executive agency has the meaning given such term in section 102 of title 40, United States Code.”
Savings provision— An application for an easement, right-of-way, or lease that was made or granted under section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1455) before the date of enactment of this Act shall continue, subject to that section as in effect on the day before such date of enactment.
Streamlining broadband facility applications—
Definition of communications facility installation— In this subsection, the term communications facility installation has the meaning given the term in section 6409(d) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1455(d)), as amended by subsection (a).
Recommendations—
In general— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the NTIA, in coordination with the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, OMB, and the General Services Administration, shall develop recommendations to streamline the process for considering applications by those agencies under section 6409(b) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1455(b)), as amended by subsection (a).
Requirements for recommendations— The recommendations developed under subparagraph (A) shall include—
procedures for the tracking of applications described in subparagraph (A);
methods by which to reduce the amount of time between the receipt of an application and the issuance of a final decision on an application;
policies to expedite renewals of an easement, license, or other authorization to locate communications facility installations on land managed by the agencies described in subparagraph (A); and
policies that would prioritize or streamline a permit for construction in a previously-disturbed right-of-way.
Report to Congress— Not later than 2 years after the date on which the recommendations required under subparagraph (A) are developed, the NTIA shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that describes—
the status of the implementation of the recommendations developed under subparagraph (A); and
any improvements to the process for considering applications described in subparagraph (A) that have resulted from those recommendations, including in particular the speed at which such applications are reviewed and a final determination is issued.
Sec. 7 Broadband infrastructure deployment
Finding regarding Federal and State departments of transportation— Congress finds that it is the policy of the United States for the Department of Transportation and State departments of transportation—
to adjust or otherwise develop right-of-way policies for Federal-aid highways to effectively accommodate broadband infrastructure;
to allow for the safe and efficient accommodation of broadband infrastructure in the public right-of-way; and
to the extent applicable, to coordinate with other statewide telecommunication and broadband plans when developing a statewide transportation improvement program.
Definitions— In this section:
Appropriate state agency— The term appropriate State agency means a State governmental agency that is recognized by the executive branch of the State as having the experience necessary to evaluate and carry out projects relating to the proper and effective installation and operation of broadband infrastructure.
Broadband infrastructure— The term broadband infrastructure means any buried, underground, or aerial facility, and any wireless or wireline connection, that enables users to send and receive voice, video, data, graphics, or any combination thereof.
Broadband infrastructure entity— The term broadband infrastructure entity means any entity that—
installs, owns, or operates broadband infrastructure; and
provides broadband services in a manner consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, as determined by the State.
State— The term State means—
a State;
the District of Columbia; and
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Broadband infrastructure deployment— To facilitate the installation of broadband infrastructure and achieve the policy described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that each State that receives funds under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, meets the following requirements:
Broadband consultation— The State department of transportation, in consultation with appropriate State agencies, shall—
identify a broadband utility coordinator, that may have additional responsibilities, whether in the State department of transportation or in another State agency, that is responsible for facilitating the broadband infrastructure right-of-way efforts within the State;
establish a process for the registration of broadband infrastructure entities that seek to be included in those broadband infrastructure right-of-way facilitation efforts within the State;
establish a process to electronically notify broadband infrastructure entities identified under subparagraph (B) of the State transportation improvement program on an annual basis and provide additional notifications as necessary to achieve the goals of this section; and
coordinate initiatives carried out under this section with other statewide telecommunication and broadband plans and State and local transportation and land use plans, including strategies to minimize repeated excavations that involve the installation of broadband infrastructure in a right-of-way.
Priority— If a State chooses to provide for the installation of broadband infrastructure in the right-of-way of an applicable Federal-aid highway project under this subsection, the State department of transportation shall carry out any appropriate measures to ensure that any existing broadband infrastructure entities are not disadvantaged, as compared to other broadband infrastructure entities, with respect to the program under this subsection.
Effect of section— This section applies only to activities for which obligations or expenditures are initially approved on or after the date of enactment of this Act. Nothing in this section establishes a mandate or requirement that a State install broadband infrastructure in a highway right-of-way.
Sec. 8 National broadband facilities asset database
Definitions— In this section:
Communications facility installation— The term communications facility installation includes—
any infrastructure, including any transmitting device, tower, or support structure, and any equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or cabinets, associated with the licensed or permitted unlicensed wireless or wireline transmission of writings, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, and sounds of all kinds; and
any antenna or apparatus that—
is designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency;
is designed to be operated, or is operating, from a fixed location pursuant to authorization by the Commission or is using duly authorized devices that do not require individual licenses; and
is added to a tower, building, or other structure.
Covered property— The term covered property—
means any real property capable of supporting a communications facility installation; and
includes any interest in real property described in subparagraph (A).
Database— The term database means the database established under subsection (b).
Executive agency— The term Executive agency has the meaning given the term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.
Database established— Not later than June 30, 2018, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the Chairman of the Commission, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, Administrator of General Services, and Director of OMB, shall—
establish and operate a single database of any covered property that is owned, leased, or otherwise managed by an Executive agency;
make the database available to—
any entity that—
constructs or operates communications facility installations; or
provides communications service; and
any other entity that the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy determines is appropriate; and
establish a process for withholding data from the database for national security, public safety, or other national strategic concerns in accordance with existing statutory authority and Executive order mandates with respect to handling and protection of such information.
Public comment—
In general— Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall seek public comment to inform the establishment and operation of the database.
Contents— In seeking public comment under paragraph (1), the Director shall include a request for recommendations on—
criteria that make real property capable of supporting communications facility installations;
types of information related to covered property that should be included in the database;
an interface by which accessibility to the database for all users will be appropriately efficient and secure; and
other information the Director determines necessary to establish and operate the database.
Federal agencies—
Initial provision of information— Not later than 90 days after the date on which the database is established under subsection (b), the head of an Executive agency shall provide to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in a manner and format to be determined by the Director, such information as the Director determines appropriate with respect to covered property owned, leased, or otherwise managed by the Executive agency.
Change to information previously provided— In the case of any change to information provided to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy by the head of an Executive agency under paragraph (1), the head of the Executive agency shall provide updated information to the Director not later than 30 days after the date of the change.
Subsequently acquired property— If an Executive agency acquires covered property after the date on which the database is established under subsection (b), the head of the Executive agency shall provide to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy the information required under paragraph (1) with respect to the covered property not later than 30 days after the date of the acquisition.
State and local governments—
In general— The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (referred to in this subsection as the Director) shall make the database available to State and local governments so that such governments may provide to the Director for inclusion in the database similar information to the information required under subsection (d)(1) regarding covered property owned, leased, or otherwise managed by such governments.
Report on incentivizing participation by State and local governments—
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director, in consultation with the Chairman of the Commission, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, the Administrator of General Services, and the Director of OMB, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on potential ways to incentivize State and local governments to provide to the Director for inclusion in the database similar information to the information required under subsection (d)(1) regarding covered property owned, leased, or otherwise managed by such governments pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection or through other means.
Considerations— The Director, in preparing the report under subparagraph (A), shall—
consult with State and local governments, or their representatives, to identify for inclusion in the report the most cost-effective options for State and local governments to collect and provide the information described in subparagraph (A), including utilizing and leveraging State broadband initiatives and programs; and
make recommendations on ways the Federal Government can assist State and local governments in collecting and providing the information described in subparagraph (A).
Report update— Not later than 2 years after the date on which the database is established under this section, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives an update to the report required under subparagraph (A) that identifies State and local governments that have contributed to the database and recommends ways to further incentivize participation by State and local governments pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection or through other means.
Database updates—
Timely inclusion— After the establishment of the database, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall ensure that information provided under subsection (d) or (e) is included in the database not later than 7 days after the date on which the Director receives the information.
Date of addition or update— Information in the database relating to covered property shall include the date on which the information was added or most recently updated.
Report— Not later than 180 days after the date the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy seeks public comment under subsection (c)(1), the Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the progress in establishing the database under this section. The Director shall update the report annually until the date that the database is fully operational. After the database is fully operational and for the next 5 years thereafter, the Director shall provide annual reports regarding the use of the database, recommendations of how the database may provide additional utility to the entities described in subsection (b)(2), if any recommendations are warranted, and how previous recommendations have been implemented.
Sec. 9 Reallocation incentives
In general— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, the Director of OMB, and the head of each affected Federal agency (or a designee thereof), after notice and an opportunity for public comment, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes legislative or regulatory recommendations to incentivize a Federal entity to relinquish, or share with Federal or non-Federal users, Federal spectrum for the purpose of allowing commercial wireless broadband services to operate on that Federal spectrum.
Post-Auction payments—
Report— In preparing the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
consider whether permitting eligible Federal entities that are implementing a transition plan submitted under section 113(h) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(h)) to accept payments could result in access to the eligible frequencies that are being reallocated for exclusive non-Federal use or shared use sooner than would otherwise occur without such payments; and
include the findings under subparagraph (A), including the analysis under paragraph (2) and any recommendations for legislation, in the report.
Analysis— In considering payments under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall conduct an analysis of whether and how such payments would affect—
bidding in auctions conducted under section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)) of such eligible frequencies; and
receipts collected from the auctions described in subparagraph (A).
Definitions— In this subsection:
Payment— The term payment means a payment in cash or in-kind by any auction winner, or any person affiliated with an auction winner, of eligible frequencies during the period after eligible frequencies have been reallocated by competitive bidding under section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)) but prior to the completion of relocation or sharing transition of such eligible frequencies per transition plans approved by the Technical Panel.
Eligible frequencies— The term eligible frequencies has the meaning given the term in section 113(g)(2) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)).
Sec. 10 Bidirectional sharing study
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, including an opportunity for public comment, the Commission, in collaboration with the NTIA, shall—
conduct a bidirectional sharing study to determine the best means of providing Federal entities flexible access to non-Federal spectrum on a shared basis across a range of short-, mid-, and long-range timeframes, including for intermittent purposes like emergency use; and
submit to Congress a report on the study under paragraph (1), including any recommendations for legislation or proposed regulations.
Considerations— In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Commission shall—
consider the regulatory certainty that commercial spectrum users and Federal entities need to make longer-term investment decisions for shared access to be viable; and
evaluate any barriers to voluntary commercial arrangements in which non-Federal users could provide access to Federal entities.
Sec. 11 Unlicensed services in guard bands
In general— After public notice and comment, and in consultation with the Secretary and the head of each affected Federal agency (or a designee thereof), with respect to frequencies allocated for Federal use, the Commission shall adopt rules that permit unlicensed services where feasible to use any frequencies that are designated as guard bands to protect frequencies allocated after the date of enactment of this Act by competitive bidding under section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)), including spectrum that acts as a duplex gap between transmit and receive frequencies.
Limitation— The Commission may not permit any use of a guard band under this section that would cause harmful interference to a licensed service or a Federal service operating in the guard band or in an adjacent band.
Rule of construction— Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the Commission or the Secretary from otherwise making spectrum available for licensed or unlicensed use in any frequency band in addition to guard bands, including under section 3, consistent with their statutory jurisdictions.
Sec. 12 Pre-auction funding
Section 118(d)(3)(B)(i)(II) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 928(d)(3)(B)(i)(II)) is amended by striking “5 years” and inserting “8 years”.
Sec. 13 Immediate transfer of funds
Section 118(e)(1) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 928(e)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(D) At the request of an eligible Federal entity, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (in this subsection referred to as OMB) may transfer the amount under subparagraph (A) immediately—
“(i) after the frequencies are reallocated by competitive bidding under section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)); or
“(ii) in the case of an incumbent Federal entity that is incurring relocation or sharing costs to accommodate sharing spectrum frequencies with another Federal entity, after the frequencies from which the other eligible Federal entity is relocating are reallocated by competitive bidding under section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)), without regard to the availability of such sums in the Fund.
“(E) Prior to the deposit of proceeds into the Fund from an auction, the Director of OMB may borrow from the Treasury the amount under subparagraph (A) for a transfer under subparagraph (D). The Treasury shall immediately be reimbursed, without interest, from funds deposited into the Fund.”
Sec. 14 Amendments to the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015
Section 1008 of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–74; 129 Stat. 584) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting “, after notice and an opportunity for public comment,” after “the Commission”.
Sec. 15 GAO assessment of unlicensed spectrum and Wi-Fi use in low-income neighborhoods
Study—
In general— The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to evaluate the availability of broadband Internet access using unlicensed spectrum and wireless networks in low-income neighborhoods.
Requirements— In conducting the study under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall consider and evaluate—
the availability of wireless Internet hot spots and access to unlicensed spectrum in low-income neighborhoods, particularly for elementary and secondary school-aged children in such neighborhoods;
any barriers preventing or limiting the deployment and use of wireless networks in low-income neighborhoods;
how to overcome any barriers described in subparagraph (B), including through incentives, policies, or requirements that would increase the availability of unlicensed spectrum and related technologies in low-income neighborhoods; and
how to encourage home broadband adoption by households with elementary and secondary school-age children that are in low-income neighborhoods.
Report— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that—
summarizes the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a); and
makes recommendations with respect to potential incentives, policies, and requirements that could help achieve the goals described in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of subsection (a)(2).
Sec. 16 Rulemaking related to partitioning or disaggregating licenses
Definitions— In this section—
Covered small carrier— The term covered small carrier means a carrier (as defined in section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153)) that—
has not more than 1,500 employees (as determined under section 121.106 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto); and
offers services using the facilities of the carrier.
Rural area— The term rural area means any area other than—
a city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of more than 20,000 inhabitants; or
an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants.
Rulemaking—
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to assess whether to establish a program, or modify existing programs, under which a licensee that receives a license for the exclusive use of spectrum in a specific geographic area under section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301) may partition or disaggregate the license by sale or long-term lease—
in order to—
provide services consistent with the license; and
make unused spectrum available to—
an unaffiliated covered small carrier; or
an unaffiliated carrier to serve a rural area; and
if the Commission finds that such a program would promote—
the availability of advanced telecommunications services in rural areas; or
spectrum availability for covered small carriers.
Considerations— In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider, with respect to the program proposed to be established under that paragraph—
whether reduced performance requirements with respect to spectrum obtained through the program would facilitate deployment of advanced telecommunications services in the areas covered by the program;
what conditions may be needed on transfers of spectrum under the program to allow covered small carriers that obtain spectrum under the program to build out the spectrum in a reasonable period of time;
what incentives may be appropriate to encourage licensees to lease or sell spectrum, including—
extending the term of a license granted under section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301); or
modifying performance requirements of the license relating to the leased or sold spectrum; and
the administrative feasibility of—
the incentives described in subparagraph (C); and
other incentives considered by the Commission that further the goals of this section.
Forfeiture of spectrum— If a party fails to meet any build out requirements set by the Commission for any spectrum sold or leased under this section, the right to the spectrum shall be forfeited to the Commission unless the Commission finds that there is good cause for the failure of the party.
Requirement— The Commission may offer a licensee incentives or reduced performance requirements under this section only if the Commission finds that doing so would likely result in increased availability of advanced telecommunications services in a rural area.
Sec. 17 Unlicensed spectrum policy
Statement of policy— It is the policy of the United States—
to maximize the benefit to the people of the United States of the spectrum resources of the United States;
to advance innovation and investment in wireless broadband services; and
to promote spectrum policy that makes available on an unlicensed basis radio frequency bands sufficient to meet consumer demand for unlicensed wireless broadband operations.
Commission responsibilities— The Commission shall ensure that the efforts of the Commission related to spectrum allocation and assignment make available on an unlicensed basis radio frequency bands sufficient to meet demand for unlicensed wireless broadband operations if doing so is, after taking into account the future needs of other spectrum users—
reasonable; and
in the public interest.
Commission action— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall take action to implement subsection (b).
Sec. 18 National plan for unlicensed spectrum
Definitions— In this section:
Spectrum Relocation Fund— The term Spectrum Relocation Fund means the Fund established under section 118 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 928).
Unlicensed operations— The term unlicensed operations means the use of spectrum on a non-exclusive basis under—
part 15 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations; or
licensing by rule under part 96 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations.
National plan— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission, in consultation with the NTIA, shall develop a national plan for making additional radio frequency bands available for unlicensed operations.
Requirements— The plan developed under this section shall—
identify an approach that ensures that consumers have access to additional spectrum to conduct unlicensed operations in a range of radio frequencies to meet consumer demand;
recommend specific actions by the Commission and the NTIA to permit unlicensed operations in additional radio frequency ranges that the Commission finds—
are consistent with the statement of policy under section 18(a);
will—
expand opportunities for unlicensed operations in a spectrum band; or
otherwise improve spectrum utilization and intensity of use of bands where unlicensed operations are already permitted;
will not cause harmful interference to Federal or non-Federal users of such bands; and
will not significantly impact homeland security or national security communications systems; and
examine additional ways, with respect to existing and planned databases or spectrum access systems designed to promote spectrum sharing and access to spectrum for unlicensed operations—
to improve accuracy and efficacy;
to reduce burdens on consumers, manufacturers, and service providers; and
to protect sensitive Government information.
Spectrum relocation fund— To be included as part of the plan developed under this section, the NTIA shall share with the Commission recommendations about how to reform the Spectrum Relocation Fund—
to address costs incurred by Federal entities related to sharing radio frequency bands with radio technologies conducting unlicensed operations; and
to ensure the Spectrum Relocation Fund has sufficient funds to cover—
the costs described in paragraph (1); and
other expenditures allowed of the Spectrum Relocation Fund under section 118 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 928).
Report required—
In general— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes the plan developed under this section, including any recommendations for legislative change.
Publication on Commission website— Not later than the date on which the Commission submits the report under paragraph (1), the Commission shall make the report publicly available on the website of the Commission.
Sec. 19 Spectrum challenge prize
Short title— This section may be cited as the “Spectrum Challenge Prize Act”.
Definition of prize competition— In this section, the term prize competition means a prize competition conducted by the Secretary under subsection (c)(1).
Spectrum challenge prize—
In general— The Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, shall, subject to the availability of funds for prize competitions under this section—
conduct prize competitions to dramatically accelerate the development and commercialization of technology that improves spectrum efficiency and is capable of cost-effective deployment; and
define a measurable set of performance goals for participants in the prize competitions to demonstrate their solutions on a level playing field while making a significant advancement over the current state of the art.
Authority of Secretary— In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may—
enter into a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement with a private sector for-profit or nonprofit entity to administer the prize competitions;
invite the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Commission, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, or any other Federal agency to provide advice and assistance in the design or administration of the prize competitions; and
award not more than $5,000,000, in the aggregate, to the winner or winners of the prize competitions.
Criteria— Not later than 180 days after the date on which funds for prize competitions are made available pursuant to this section, the Commission shall publish a technical paper on spectrum efficiency providing criteria that may be used for the design of the prize competitions.
Authorization of appropriations— There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
Sec. 20 Wireless telecommunications tax and fee collection fairness
Short title— This section may be cited as the “Wireless Telecommunications Tax and Fee Collection Fairness Act”.
Definitions— In this section:
Financial transaction— The term financial transaction means a transaction in which the purchaser or user of a wireless telecommunications service upon whom a tax, fee, or surcharge is imposed gives cash, credit, or any other exchange of monetary value or consideration to the person who is required to collect or remit the tax, fee, or surcharge.
Local jurisdiction— The term local jurisdiction means a political subdivision of a State.
State— The term State means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, and any territory or possession of the United States.
State or local jurisdiction— The term State or local jurisdiction includes any governmental entity or person acting on behalf of a State or local jurisdiction that has the authority to assess, impose, levy, or collect taxes or fees.
Wireless telecommunications service— The term wireless telecommunications service means a commercial mobile radio service, as defined in section 20.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto.
Financial transaction requirement—
In general— A State, or a local jurisdiction of a State, may not require a person to collect from, or remit on behalf of, any other person a State or local tax, fee, or surcharge imposed on a purchaser or user with respect to the purchase or use of any wireless telecommunications service within the State unless the collection or remittance is in connection with a financial transaction.
Rule of construction— Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect the right of a State or local jurisdiction to require the collection of any tax, fee, or surcharge in connection with a financial transaction.
Enforcement—
Private right of action— Any person aggrieved by a violation of subsection (c) may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States for equitable relief in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
Jurisdiction of district courts— Notwithstanding section 1341 of title 28, United States Code, or the constitution or laws of any State, the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties, to grant such mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief, interim equitable relief, and declaratory judgments as may be necessary to prevent, restrain, or terminate any acts in violation of subsection (c).
Sec. 21 Rules of construction
Ranges of frequencies— Each range of frequencies described in this Act shall be construed to be inclusive of the upper and lower frequencies in the range.
Assessment of electromagnetic spectrum reallocation— Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect any requirement under section 156 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 921 note), as added by section 1062(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000.
Sec. 22 Relationship to Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit, restrict, or circumvent in any way the implementation of the nationwide public safety broadband network defined in section 6001 of title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401) or any rules implementing that network under title VI of that Act (47 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).