S.792 - Government Spectrum Valuation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Government Spectrum Valuation Act (S.792) mandates the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to estimate the value of electromagnetic spectrum assigned to Federal entities. This valuation will cover frequencies between 3 kilohertz and 95 gigahertz. The NTIA must conduct these estimates periodically, considering potential reallocation for commercial wireless services.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to provide a clearer understanding of the economic value of spectrum resources held by the government. This could lead to more efficient spectrum management and potential reallocation to higher-value uses. The reporting requirements will increase transparency regarding the use of spectrum by federal entities.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Spectrum Management: Provides data for better decision-making regarding spectrum allocation.
- Potential Revenue Generation: Reallocation of spectrum could generate revenue for the government.
- Increased Transparency: Public disclosure of valuation methodologies enhances accountability.
- Support for Commercial Wireless Services: Considers the potential value of spectrum for commercial use.
- Informed Budgeting: Federal entities will be required to report the value of their spectrum holdings in their budgets.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Conflicts: Reallocation could disrupt existing federal operations that rely on the spectrum.
- Valuation Challenges: Accurately estimating the value of spectrum is complex and may be subject to debate.
- Administrative Burden: The NTIA and other federal entities will face increased administrative burdens to conduct and report valuations.
- Risk of Undervaluing Public Needs: Focusing on commercial value might undervalue essential government services.
- Potential for Political Influence: The valuation process could be subject to political pressure from various stakeholders.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the constitutional mandate to provide for the general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes managing the electromagnetic spectrum. The requirement for public disclosure promotes transparency and accountability, consistent with principles of open government.
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).