Federal Spectrum Audit Mandated Within 18 Months to Identify Unused Airwaves

This bill sets a deadline for a major government inventory: within 18 months of enactment, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information must conduct a comprehensive audit of the electromagnetic spectrum assigned to every federal agency. The core goal, as outlined in Section 1, is to create a detailed map showing exactly which airwaves federal entities use, why they use them, where, and whether they share access, ultimately identifying any currently unused portions.

Charting the Federal Airwaves

Think of the electromagnetic spectrum like invisible highways for wireless communication – used for everything from military operations and weather forecasting to air traffic control. This audit requires a deep dive into how federal agencies, defined broadly as "Federal entities" in the bill, are using their assigned lanes. The Assistant Secretary needs to report on each spectrum band used by each federal entity, detailing the specific purpose (like national defense or scientific research), the extent of use, and the geographic area covered. It also requires tracking whether a band is exclusive to one agency, shared with other federal bodies, or shared with non-federal users like commercial wireless providers. A key output here is pinpointing spectrum that's assigned but potentially sitting idle, which could inform future decisions about reallocating those resources.

Reporting Back and Avoiding Red Tape

This isn't just about collecting data; it's about getting a clear picture to Congress. The findings must be compiled into an unclassified report, though a classified annex is permitted for sensitive details. Importantly, the bill mandates coordination with the Secretary of Transportation. This is to ensure this audit doesn't duplicate similar spectrum review efforts already required under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – a practical step towards efficiency. Essentially, the government aims for a single, clear inventory without making agencies jump through the same hoop twice.