§1508 National Plan for Unlicensed Spectrum

Summary

The Commission (the Federal Communications Commission) must create a national plan, in consultation with the NTIA, within 18 months after March 23, 2018, to make more radio frequencies available for unlicensed or licensed-by-rule uses. Spectrum Relocation Fund — the fund set up under section 928. Unlicensed or licensed by rule operations — use of spectrum without an exclusive license under FCC rules (part 15 or part 96). The plan must show how to give consumers more access to radio spectrum and must recommend specific steps for the FCC and NTIA. Those steps must follow the policy in section 1507(a), either expand or better use spectrum where such uses are allowed, avoid harmful interference to federal and non-federal users, and not significantly harm homeland or national security communications. The plan must also look at ways to improve databases or spectrum access systems to make them more accurate, easier for users and manufacturers, and safer for sensitive government information. NTIA, with the OMB, must include an appendix with recommendations to reform the Spectrum Relocation Fund so federal sharing costs are covered and the fund stays sufficient for approved expenses. The Commission must send a report on the plan to the appropriate congressional committees within the same 18 months and post it on its website the same day. Nothing in the plan gives unlicensed users extra protection from harmful interference.