H.R. 7783: AI-Ready Networks Act

The bill titled "AI-Ready Networks Act" aims to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to publish a report concerning the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the commercial telecommunications infrastructure of the United States. Here are the key components of the bill:

Report Publishing Timeline

The Assistant Secretary must publish the report within 18 months after the bill's enactment. This report will also be made available in the Federal Register and on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's website. Additionally, it will be submitted to specific congressional committees.

Content of the Report

The report must include several elements:

• Status of Standard-Setting: An assessment of how international and industry-led bodies are developing standards for AI in telecommunications networks.
• Voluntary Use Cases: Identification and analysis of industry-driven use cases for integrating AI into these networks.
• Workforce Recommendations: Suggestions on addressing workforce trends and needs in the telecommunications industry as it incorporates AI.
• Security Enhancements: Recommendations for using AI to improve the security, integrity, and availability of telecommunications networks.
• Transparency and Accountability: Suggestions on how best practices, government guidance, and existing laws can ensure transparency and public trust in AI applications within telecommunications.
• Modernization of Laws: Recommendations for updating the Communications Act of 1934 to reflect AI advancements in telecommunications.
• Collaboration with Multiple Entities: Suggestions on collaborating with federal, state, local, and tribal governments to facilitate safe and effective AI integration in telecommunications networks.

Draft Report and Public Comment

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Assistant Secretary is required to publish a draft version of the report and accept public comments on it. These comments will be considered when preparing the final report.

Consultation Requirements

The Assistant Secretary must consult with several entities while preparing the report, including:

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
• The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
• The Secretary of Homeland Security.
• The Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Heads of other relevant federal agencies.
• State, local, and Tribal government bodies.
• Trusted telecommunications companies.
• Representatives from academia, public interest organizations, and international standards-setting bodies.

Definitions

The bill includes several definitions, such as:

• Artificial Intelligence: Defined by its existing definition in the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020.
• Assistant Secretary: Refers to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
• Trusted: Refers to companies that do not produce or provide covered communications equipment or service, as defined by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.

Relevant Companies

None found