H.R. 651: Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025

The Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 aims to reallocate and auction radio frequency spectrum from federal use to commercial use. It focuses on the range of frequencies between 1.3 gigahertz and 13.2 gigahertz.

Key Provisions

• Identification of Spectrum: The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is required to identify at least 2,500 megahertz of spectrum in the specified frequency range by reclassifying it from federal or shared use to non-federal use. This will include at least 1,250 megahertz specifically for full-power commercial licensed use.
• Timeline for Identification: The Assistant Secretary must complete the identification of 1,250 megahertz within two years and the remaining spectrum within five years following the enactment of the Act.
• Auction Schedule: The FCC will hold competitive bidding for at least 1,250 megahertz of this reallocated spectrum, completing at least 600 megahertz auctions within three years and the rest within six years of the Act's enactment.
• Unlicensed Use: By two years after enactment, at least 125 megahertz of this spectrum must be made available for unlicensed use.
• Future Spectrum Availability: Any additional available spectrum must be designated for licensed or unlicensed use within eight years of the Act's enactment.
• Auction Proceeds: Proceeds from these auctions should cover 110% of the costs for relocating or sharing spectrum currently used by federal entities.

Committee Oversight and Reporting

• The Assistant Secretary is required to submit reports to Congress on the progress of spectrum identification and reallocation, detailing the steps taken, entities involved, and a timeline.
• Annual briefings are mandated for Congress on the status of the spectrum reallocation process.

Spectrum Relocation Fund Modernization

• The Act proposes updates to notification timelines related to the Spectrum Relocation Fund, allowing for shorter periods for notifications to Congress regarding spectrum reallocation.
• It emphasizes that new systems and equipment must allow for the reallocation of spectrum to be more valuable than previously utilized, supporting modernization of federal systems.

Summary of Impact

The legislation outlines a structured approach for transitioning specific frequencies from federal use to commercial use through a defined timetable and competitive auctions, which is intended to enhance the availability of spectrum for commercial use while ensuring proper oversight and reporting to Congress.

Relevant Companies

• TMUS - T-Mobile US: As a major telecommunications company, T-Mobile would likely seek to acquire additional spectrum through the auctions to enhance its mobile network capabilities.
• VZ - Verizon Communications: Verizon may compete for the reallocated spectrum to improve service offerings and network performance.
• T - AT&T Inc.: AT&T could be significantly impacted as it might engage in bidding for new spectrum licenses to expand its telecommunications services.