Bill Overview
Title: Extending America’s Spectrum Auction Leadership Act of 2022
Description: This bill extends to March 31, 2024, the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to auction and license electromagnetic spectrum bands. (Under current law, the authority expires on September 30, 2022.)
Sponsors: Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
Target Audience
Population: People using or reliant on wireless communications
Estimated Size: 200000000
- The electromagnetic spectrum is essential for wireless communication, which affects telecommunications companies, technology companies, and their consumers.
- People using mobile phones, tablets, and other wireless devices would be impacted as these devices rely on spectrum availability.
- Industries such as telecommunications, broadcasting, and other sectors depending on wireless communication would be impacted.
- Individuals and businesses engaged in wireless technologies will potentially experience changes in service availability, quality, and pricing.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets telecommunications and technology companies that rely on access to electromagnetic spectrum to provide services.
- Individuals' wellbeing may be indirectly affected by the policy through changes in the costs and quality of wireless services, including internet access, mobile phone connectivity, and other wireless communications.
- Many people's wellbeing may remain unchanged immediately, but could see gradual improvements as technology and services improve due to more efficiently allocated spectrum.
- The policy's budget and target population suggest focusing on moderate to high users of wireless technology, particularly in urban settings where spectrum congestion is an issue.
- Some individuals, such as those in rural areas, might see no immediate impact on wellbeing if their areas are not directly targeted by spectrum auctions.
- People involved in telecommunications or technology sectors may be more aware of the policy and anticipate direct profession or business-related impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Tech Startup Employee (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this policy will provide more spectrum for tech startups, allowing for faster deployment of new wireless technologies.
- We count on the additional spectrum to enhance our service offerings and reach a larger user base.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Telecommunications Executive (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy extension is critical for our planning and will help us manage spectrum resources amidst growing demand.
- Our company could secure necessary spectrum to improve network reliability.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Austin, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I care about better internet access speeds and reliability, so any policy that could support this is positive.
- Immediate effects might not be visible to me, but over time, better spectrum management could help.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
College Student (Columbus, OH)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this means I get faster internet on campus, that's a win.
- I'm not entirely sure how this will affect me directly, but better service is always welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Boise, ID)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure how this policy will play out here, but if it improves our Wi-Fi, that's helpful.
- It's not a priority though; our challenges are centered around more immediate issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Montpelier, VT)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These kinds of policies don't really affect me much; I'm not big on technology.
- As long as my cell phone works, I'm content.
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 | 6 |
Farmer (Rural Mississippi)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope more spectrum means cheaper data plans and better rural connectivity.
- Right now, connectivity issues are a hurdle for efficient farm management.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Social Media Influencer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Spectrum availability is crucial for seamless streaming and posting.
- I see this policy as supporting my work indirectly by potentially improving service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Elementary School Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reliable internet and sufficient bandwidth are crucial for using educational tools in class.
- I'm optimistic about policies that could enhance digital learning experiences.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Engineer at Tech Firm (Houston, TX)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy extension could support our endeavors to integrate more devices smoothly through better spectrum management.
- I expect an indirect impact but overall positive over time.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Spectrum auctions have historically generated substantial federal revenue, outweighing operational costs.
- Maintaining competitive spectrum allocation can drive technological advancement and economic growth.
- The policy primarily generates government savings rather than direct costs.