H.R. 3565 would modify and extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to auction licenses for the commercial use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Specifically, the bill would extend the FCC’s general authority to conduct new spectrum auctions through September 30, 2026, and extend and modify the terms of two auctions authorized under current law.
Under H.R. 3565, a portion of the auction proceeds would be deposited into the Spectrum Auction Trust Fund (SATF) established by the bill and those amounts would be available for spending, with certain limits, without further appropriation. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) would be authorized to draw funds from the SATF to award grants to help emergency communications centers better receive, process, and analyze 911 requests; and to help states, tribes, and localities to build and expand broadband infrastructure.
In addition, H.R. 3565 would increase funding to reimburse communications providers for removing equipment produced by entities deemed to pose a national security risk, authorize funding for grants to certain nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing digital equity, and create a program to allow federal and nonfederal entities to share radio frequency spectrum while managing interference.
