Title 15 — Commerce and TradeRelease 119-73

§1532 Telecommunications; electromagnetic radiation; research, analysis, dissemination of information; other functions of Secretary

Title 15 › Chapter CHAPTER 40— - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE › § 1532

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Study and analyze how electromagnetic waves behave and how to use the radio spectrum better. The Secretary of Commerce can do research on wave travel, interference and noise, radio systems and operating methods, and ways to improve spectrum use. The Secretary can issue forecasts and warnings about wave conditions, study what affects radio transmissions and which frequencies to use, research nonionizing electromagnetic radiation and how to measure electromagnetic environments for federal use, help other agencies, publish important technical data, and do similar work.

Full Legal Text

Title 15, §1532

Commerce and Trade — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to—

(1)conduct research on all of the telecommunications sciences, including wave propagation and reception, the conditions which affect electromagnetic wave propagation and reception, electromagnetic noise and interference, radio system characteristics, operating techniques affecting the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, and methods for improving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum for telecommunications purposes;

(2)prepare and issue predictions of electromagnetic wave propagation conditions and warnings of disturbances in such conditions;

(3)investigate conditions which affect the transmission of radio waves from their source to a receiver and the compilation and distribution of information on such transmission of radio waves as a basis for choice of frequencies to be used in radio operations;

(4)conduct research and analysis in the general field of telecommunications sciences in support of assigned functions and in support of other Government agencies;

(5)investigate nonionizing electromagnetic radiation and its uses, as well as methods and procedures for measuring and assessing electromagnetic environments, for the purpose of developing and coordinating policies and procedures affecting Federal Government use of the electromagnetic spectrum for telecommunications purposes;

(6)compile, evaluate, publish, and otherwise disseminate general scientific and technical data resulting from the performance of the functions specified in this section or from other sources when such data are important to science, engineering, or industry, or to the general public, and are not available elsewhere; and

(7)undertake such other activities similar to those specified in this subsection as the Secretary of Commerce determines appropriate.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

15 U.S.C. § 1532

Title 15 — Commerce and Trade

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73