H.R.651 - Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 651, the "Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025," directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction spectrum between 1.3 GHz and 13.2 GHz. The goal is to reallocate spectrum for both commercial and unlicensed use. The Act also updates the Spectrum Relocation Fund to expedite the process of relocating federal entities using the spectrum.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased availability of spectrum for wireless broadband services. This would foster innovation and competition in the telecommunications industry. Federal entities currently using the spectrum will need to relocate or share it, potentially incurring costs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased spectrum availability for commercial use.
- Potential for faster and more reliable wireless communication.
- Economic growth through innovation in telecommunications.
- Creation of new opportunities for businesses and consumers.
- Unlicensed spectrum availability for experimentation and development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Costs associated with relocating federal entities.
- Potential disruption of existing federal services using the spectrum.
- Risk of inefficient spectrum allocation if auctions are poorly designed.
- Possible delays in implementation due to regulatory hurdles.
- Uncertainty regarding the impact on national security interests.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including the use of airwaves. The bill also respects the principle of private property, as it provides compensation for federal entities required to relocate or share spectrum. The First Amendment is also potentially implicated, as spectrum allocation can affect the dissemination of information and freedom of expression.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).