Bill Overview
Title: Spectrum Coordination Act
Description: This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission to update the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Spectrum Coordination to (1) improve the process for resolving frequency allocation disputes in shared or adjacent spectrum bands, (2) ensure the efficient use of spectrum, and (3) establish reasonable timelines for information exchanges between the administration and the commission. The MOU formalizes the cooperative relationship between the two parties to ensure that spectrum policy decisions promote efficient use of spectrum consistent with both the economic interests and national security of the nation.
Sponsors: Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
Target Audience
Population: People who rely on wireless communication technologies
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill focuses on improving spectrum coordination which affects telecommunications and broadcasting industries.
- Efficient spectrum use is essential for delivering better wireless communication services, impacting users of cellular networks.
- Frequency allocation disputes affect service providers which in turn impact consumers who rely on these services.
- National security is mentioned, implying an impact on citizens through improved communication infrastructure essential for security measures.
Reasoning
- The U.S. has approximately 330 million people, most of whom rely on wireless communications. This large portion of the population could theoretically be impacted by policies affecting spectrum management.
- Implementing improved coordination and dispute resolution mechanisms in spectrum management should increase the efficiency and reliability of wireless services, potentially improving user satisfaction and perceived wellbeing.
- The Spectrum Coordination Act involves direct collaboration between NTIA and FCC, which will primarily affect service providers. However, consumers reliant on these services may experience indirect effects.
- Given the wide range of dependency on wireless communication across different demographics, it is important to capture a mix of perspectives.
- While the impact on average consumers might be limited, those in industries relying heavily on communication technologies or in areas where coverage or service quality is an issue may experience more significant changes.
Simulated Interviews
Telecommunications Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is potentially beneficial as it directly relates to the challenges I face in my work environment, such as spectrum allocation and interference issues.
- Streamlining processes and reducing disputes can lead to more efficient project timelines and better service delivery to customers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Mobile App Developer (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stable and reliable wireless networks are crucial for my work as an app developer.
- If the policy leads to better spectrum management, it could improve network performance and ease some of my professional challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Public Safety Official (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving spectrum coordination is critical for maintaining secure communication channels essential during emergencies.
- The policy could enhance the reliability of communication networks we depend on for public safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Rural Kansas)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better spectrum management could improve mobile network coverage and speed in rural areas like mine.
- This policy might indirectly address some connectivity issues I face daily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 51 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't see immediate changes overnight, better spectrum alignment could reduce downtime and improve communication with clients.
- Policies that enhance network efficiency are always positive for business operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect stability in my connectivity when this policy is in place, especially for communicating with my family.
- Generally, I feel the policy is more technical and likely impacts specialists more than consumers like myself.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Media Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better policy coordination between the NTIA and FCC could streamline negotiations and avoid costly disputes for media projects.
- This could, in turn, influence timelines and budgets in big production plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
IT Consultant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies that aim to improve spectrum efficiency can influence network upgrade decisions in companies I consult with.
- This policy might drive investments in better technologies leading to better service for end-users.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Spectrum Policy Analyst (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is aimed at the very core of my professional focus, making spectrum use more efficient and reducing conflict.
- I believe this can catalyze newer technologies and their integration into mainstream use.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Freelance Journalist (Denver, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policymaking in spectrum is crucial as it impacts connectivity in my work environment, influencing how quickly I can access information.
- Consistency in service due to improved policies can reduce interruptions and enhance my productivity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 3: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The complexity of updating the MOU may influence the time and resources required.
- National security implications may require sensitive and careful handling.
- Coordination between NTIA and FCC will be crucial for efficient implementation.