§1428 Permanent self-funding; duty to assess and collect fees for network use

Summary

The First Responder Network Authority can charge fees for using the nationwide public safety broadband network. It may charge a user or subscription fee to any group that wants access, a fee for groups that enter a covered leasing agreement (a written public‑private deal that lets a non‑public‑safety user use spare network capacity and use its assigned spectrum for commercial traffic over its long‑haul dark fiber), and a fee for using equipment or infrastructure the Authority owns, like antennas or towers built under such deals. Each year the total fees must only cover the Authority’s expenses for that fiscal year and not exceed what is needed. The NTIA must review and approve the fees every year. The Authority must spend all fee money only to build, operate, maintain, or improve the nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network.