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119-hr-651119th CongressWALLET

Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12]

Introduced

Summary

Reallocating mid‑band spectrum for full‑power commercial wireless broadband. This bill would force the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Commerce Department to prioritize moving large blocks of 1.3 GHz to 13.2 GHz spectrum from federal or shared use to non‑federal use, with defined auction and reporting deadlines.

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  • Wireless carriers and commercial broadband providers would gain access to large blocks of mid‑band spectrum. The bill requires identification of at least 2,500 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum and reserves at least 1,250 MHz for full‑power commercial licensed use.
  • Federal agencies operating on identified frequencies would need to coordinate relocations or sharing and provide information for NTIA analyses and progress briefings as assignments are withdrawn or modified.
  • Innovators and consumers using unlicensed technologies would see new capacity. The FCC must make at least 125 MHz available for unlicensed use within 2 years, and any identified leftover spectrum must be made available by year 8.
  • The bill sets auction timing and sequencing. Competitive bidding must cover not less than 1,250 MHz, with at least 600 MHz auctioned within 3 years and remaining auctions completed by 6 years.

*Auction proceeds must cover 110 percent of federal relocation or sharing costs.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Plan to open more wireless airwaves

If enacted, NTIA would have to find at least 2,500 MHz in 1.3–13.2 GHz, including at least 1,250 MHz for full‑power licensed use. It would identify at least 1,250 MHz within 2 years and finish the rest by 5 years. The FCC would auction at least 600 MHz within 3 years (finish by 6), and open at least 125 MHz for unlicensed use within 2 years. Any leftover would be opened within 8 years, and the FCC’s auction authority would run to September 30, 2027 (8 years for this band).

Broader reimbursements when feds move airwaves

If enacted, the bill would broaden which federal relocation and sharing costs can be reimbursed when clearing spectrum. State‑of‑the‑art replacements could be covered if they free more valuable spectrum and do not block reallocation. It would also keep the FCC’s duty to cover relocation and sharing costs in place.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12]

GA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 1/28/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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