§1508 National Plan for Unlicensed Spectrum

Summary

The Commission must, no later than 18 months after March 23, 2018, work with the NTIA to write a national plan to make more radio frequency bands available for unlicensed or “licensed by rule” uses. The plan must say how to give consumers more access to spectrum across different frequencies, recommend actions for both agencies that are consistent with existing policy, and aim to expand unlicensed opportunities or make existing use more efficient. The plan must also make sure new uses won’t cause harmful interference to Federal or non‑Federal users or harm homeland or national security communications. It must look at ways to improve databases or spectrum access systems to make them more accurate, less burdensome, and protective of sensitive government information. The Commission must send a report describing the plan, including any suggested law changes, to Congress by the same 18‑month deadline and post the report on its website then. Definitions: “Spectrum Relocation Fund” — the fund set up under section 928; “unlicensed or licensed by rule operations” — non‑exclusive use of spectrum under part 15 or part 96 of title 47. The plan does not give unlicensed users or users licensed by rule any new right to protection from harmful interference.