Bill Overview
Title: Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022
Description: This bill addresses auctions of, and other matters related to, portions of the electromagnetic spectrum allocated for federal use. The bill also establishes grants for and otherwise modifies provisions concerning next generation 9-1-1 systems (i.e., interoperable Internet Protocol-based systems for receiving 9-1-1 calls). The bill extends to March 31, 2024, the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction and license electromagnetic spectrum. (Under current law, the authority expires on September 30, 2022.) Additionally, the bill establishes a process for auctioning specified parts of the spectrum currently allocated for federal use. The Office of Management and Budget must transfer certain funding to federal entities for planning activities related to reallocating and auctioning spectrum while the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Executive Office of the President must oversee the planning. The Department of Commerce must, informed by the planning, identify the spectrum to auction. Further, the bill addresses shared use of spectrum bands by federal and nonfederal users. For example, the NTIA must implement an incumbent informing capability system to manage harmful interference when nonfederal users and incumbent federal entities share spectrum. The bill also establishes the Public Safety and Secure Networks Fund and directs a portion of spectrum auction proceeds to the fund for, among other purposes, reimbursing telecommunications providers for replacing equipment that poses risks to national security and safety.
Sponsors: Rep. Doyle, Michael F. [D-PA-18]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals depending on mobile communication technology
Estimated Size: 300000000
- The electromagnetic spectrum between 3100 MHz and 3540 MHz is crucial for modern wireless technologies.
- Many consumer technologies like smartphones, tablets, and other mobile data devices depend on available spectrum to function effectively.
- Telecommunication companies that provide mobile communication services will be directly impacted as they rely on spectrum auctions to expand their service coverage.
- Consumers globally who utilize mobile communication services could see changes in service quality or cost depending on the outcomes of spectrum auctions.
- Regulatory bodies and federal entities involved in spectrum management, such as the FCC, will undertake more responsibilities in reallocating and managing spectrum use.
- The defense sector, which currently uses some of the spectrum, might need to adjust to new allocations.
Reasoning
- The Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021 predominantly affects telecom companies, their customers, and federal entities managing spectrum allocation.
- The policy involves auctioning electromagnetic spectrum which could influence service provision, costs, and quality for consumers and businesses reliant on mobile technologies.
- The shared use of spectrum means some consumers and businesses may not experience noticeable changes immediately, as existing technologies adapt or improve over time.
- Federal agencies, particularly those like the Department of Defense, might experience operational shifts due to spectrum reallocation.
- The policy budget indicates a modest but growing investment over 10 years, indicating measured, phased impacts likely starting with market players.
Simulated Interviews
Telecommunications Engineer (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could positively impact our company by providing new spectrum for advanced technologies.
- There might be challenges in transitioning the spectrum from federal use to non-federal uses, particularly with military overlap.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved spectrum availability might enhance mobile application performance for end-users.
- I hope this doesn't lead to increased costs for mobile data plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired Military Officer (Omaha, NE)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's concern about how the military communications systems will adapt to the spectrum changes.
- Defense contractors may see new opportunities in reshaping military communications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
College Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More spectrum could mean better connectivity and speed, which is crucial for my studies.
- The cost of mobile plans is a concern—if it rises, I might struggle financially.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Portland, OR)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving spectrum can enhance the reliability of mobile payments, which my business heavily relies on.
- There's always a risk that changes in spectrum policy might lead to increased operational costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tech Journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Spectrum reallocation is a fascinating development in the tech sector.
- What remains to be seen is how this will affect consumers in terms of pricing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Official (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will test our ability to efficiently reallocate spectrum responsibly.
- The outcomes of these auctions can significantly shape the telecom landscape.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Customer Service Representative (Detroit, MI)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Spectrum changes could lead to questions or concerns from customers about service impacts.
- I hope it leads to better service so I can provide more positive responses in my role.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Digital Marketing Specialist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With more spectrum, digital marketing infrastructures can become more efficient.
- However, any increase in mobile plan costs could be a downside for end-users.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Healthcare Administrator (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced spectrum can improve our telehealth services through better connectivity.
- Policy changes should consider the affordability of mobile communications in healthcare.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 2: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 3: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 5: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $30000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The success of spectrum auction largely depends on demand from telecom companies which can vary based on market conditions.
- Interagency coordination is crucial for effective implementation and planning.
- Impacts on defense services using the spectrum must be managed carefully to avoid compromising national security.