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Congressional Hearing on Wireless Spectrum Policy

Original title: NEXT STEPS FOR SPECTRUM POLICY

Record date · January 1, 2016

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What This Bill Does

The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing on March 26, 2015, to discuss future policies regarding the management and allocation of radio . The session featured testimony from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officials regarding spectrum auctions and airwaves sharing.

Why it matters

This hearing established the legislative oversight framework for how the federal government manages radio , which directly impacts the availability and quality of wireless and mobile broadband services for all consumers.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Wireless service providers

These companies participate in FCC spectrum auctions to acquire the airwaves necessary to provide mobile data and voice services.

Directly affected

Broadcasters

Broadcasters are subject to regulatory changes regarding how spectrum is shared or repurposed for wireless use.

Key Facts

  • The hearing took place on March 26, 2015, in room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
  • The session was conducted by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Witnesses included four senior officials from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
  • The hearing included a review of the AWS-3 auction results.
Show all 6 facts
  • The subcommittee received a statement from the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.
  • An article regarding the FTC's database and airwaves sharing was submitted into the record by Mr. Long.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is radio spectrum?
Radio refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies used to transmit data, including mobile phone signals, television broadcasts, and Wi-Fi.
Why does Congress hold hearings on spectrum policy?
Congress oversees the FCC to ensure that the limited resource of radio is managed efficiently to support economic growth and consumer access to wireless services.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

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Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Discoveries

1 pattern noticed across the record

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

temporal pattern90% confidence

Historical Oversight

The document reflects the 114th Congress's focus on the transition to mobile-first spectrum allocation following the AWS-3 auction.

Connected Entities

Julius Knapp, Greg Walden, Gary Epstein and 4 more
PersonJulius Knapp“Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology, FCC”Map →
PersonGreg Walden“Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology”Map →
PersonGary Epstein“Chair, Incentive Auction Task Force, FCC”Map →
OrganizationFederal Communications Commission“Federal agency responsible for spectrum regulation”Map →
PersonJohn Leibovitz“Deputy Bureau Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC”Map →
PersonAnna G. Eshoo“Ranking Member of the Subcommittee”Map →
PersonRoger Sherman“Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance40
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy20
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz10
    Current news / social attention level

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