summary
Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
112th Congress
Bill Summary
Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) ensure the deployment of a nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network in the 700 MHz band which is deployed in both rural and urban areas; (2) reallocate and integrate the 700 MHz D block spectrum for use by public safety entities; (3) permit flexible use of the narrowband spectrum; (4) ensure that the nationwide public safety broadband network is fully interoperable on a nationwide basis; and (5) establish a 10-year public safety advisory board. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the electromagnetic spectrum allocation for public safety services by 10 megahertz. Permits the FCC, if consistent with the public interest for a licensee to relinquish voluntarily some or all of its licensed spectrum usage rights in order to permit the assignment of new initial licenses, to disburse to that licensee portions of the auction proceeds related to the new use that are attributable to the licensee's relinquished spectrum usage. Extends FCC auction authority until September 30, 2020. Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Construction Fund; and (2) the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Maintenance and Operation Fund. Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a grant program to assist public safety entities establish a nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network in the 700 MHz band.
AI Summary
This bill, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, aims to enhance public safety communications by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure the deployment of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network using the 700 MHz band, which is a specific range of radio frequencies. It also reallocates a portion of this spectrum, known as the "D block," for public safety use and allows for flexible use of "narrowband spectrum," which refers to a narrower range of frequencies, for public safety broadband communications. The bill mandates that this new network be fully interoperable across the country, including in rural areas, and establishes a 10-year public safety advisory board to guide the FCC. To fund these initiatives, the bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the available spectrum for public safety services by 10 megahertz, allows the FCC to conduct incentive auctions where licensees can voluntarily give up spectrum for new uses in exchange for a portion of auction proceeds, and extends the FCC's authority to hold auctions until September 30, 2020. Furthermore, it creates two funds in the Treasury: the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Construction Fund and the Public Safety Interoperable Broadband Network Maintenance and Operation Fund, and directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a grant program to help public safety entities build this network.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (16)
Michael Bennet (D),
Barbara Boxer (D),
Ben Cardin (D),
Bob Casey (D),
Chris Coons (D),
Al Franken (D),
Kirsten Gillibrand (D),
Tom Harkin (D),
John Kerry (D),
Amy Klobuchar (D),
Frank Lautenberg (D),
Joe Manchin (I),
Barbara Mikulski (D),
Bill Nelson (D),
John Rockefeller (D),
Chuck Schumer (D),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S146-149) (on 01/25/2011)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-bill/28/all-info |
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s28is/pdf/BILLS-112s28is.pdf |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s28is/pdf/BILLS-112s28is.pdf.pdf |
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