Washington, D.C. — In a significant move to bolster national security and technological innovation, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, has unveiled the Spectrum and National Security Act. This sweeping legislation aims to modernize the nation’s spectrum policy, ensuring the protection of communication networks against foreign threats and promoting American leadership in global tech innovation.
Key Components of the Act
- Modernizing Federal Spectrum Management: The act proposes a new framework for federal spectrum management, enhancing the coordination across various agencies including military and emergency services. This initiative is designed to optimize spectrum usage and foster interagency collaboration, positioning the U.S. at the forefront of wireless technology innovation while safeguarding national security interests.
- Expanding the Spectrum Pipeline: Through directing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and other federal agencies to assess and repurpose unused spectrum bands, the legislation aims to increase spectrum availability for a range of users from government entities to private sector businesses.
- Investing in Innovative Technologies: With a $25 million investment in research and development, the legislation supports cutting-edge technologies such as Dynamic Spectrum Sharing. This initiative will allow multiple users to access the same spectrum bands, maximizing the use of this finite resource.
- Reigniting the FCC’s Auction Authority: The bill restores and extends the Federal Communications Commission's authority to conduct commercial spectrum auctions until September 2029. This move is critical to meet the growing demand for wireless services and to fund further technology research and development.
- Supporting Workforce Development: The legislation introduces a Telecommunications Workforce Training Grant Program with $500 million earmarked for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority-serving Institutions. This initiative is aimed at preparing the future workforce for careers in telecommunications and spectrum industries.
- Boosting Technology Hubs and Science Funding: An additional $2 billion is allocated for the Department of Commerce’s Regional Tech Hubs Program to enhance U.S. competitiveness in technology. The bill also includes significant investments in CHIPS manufacturing incentives and research programs at NSF and NIST, with $5 billion designated for the latter’s maintenance and construction projects.
- Ensuring Connectivity and Security: To keep over 23 million households connected online, the legislation allocates $7 billion from auction proceeds to continue the Affordable Connectivity Program. It also addresses cybersecurity and infrastructure needs, providing $3 billion for the Rip and Replace Program to remove insecure telecommunications equipment from rural networks.
- Advancing Emergency Services: A $2 billion funding provision is set for the Next Generation 911 initiative, aiming to upgrade emergency response capabilities to include digital communications such as voice, photos, videos, and texts.
The Spectrum and National Security Act represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the dual challenges of national security and technological advancement. By securing critical infrastructure, investing in innovation, and ensuring continued connectivity, the legislation seeks to pave the way for a secure and technologically advanced future for all Americans. As the Senate gears up to debate this landmark bill, its implications for the national and global tech landscape are profound and far-reaching.
Cantwell Leads Innovative Spectrum Legislation to Strengthen National Security, Keep Millions of Consumers Connected & Boost US Global Leadership