Improving Spectrum Coordination Act of 2021
Bill: S.1472 | Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. (R-MS)
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
Improving Spectrum Coordination Act of 2021
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to periodically update the Memorandum of Understanding on Spectrum Coordination, which establishes procedures to promote the efficient use of the radio spectrum, including related to joint spectrum planning and frequency coordination.
Among other updates, the FCC and the NTIA must (1) outline processes for addressing technical, procedural, and policy differences regarding frequency allocation and related conditions and standards; (2) create a process for the resolution of nonroutine policy disputes; (3) clarify the role of the NTIA; and (4) outline processes for spectrum planning and international spectrum coordination.

To require the Federal Communications Commission and the National 
    Telecommunications and Information Administration to update the 
  Memorandum of Understanding on Spectrum Coordination, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Spectrum Coordination Act 
of 2021''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVED COORDINATION BETWEEN THE FCC AND THE NTIA.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section--
            (1) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal 
        Communications Commission;
            (2) the term ``Memorandum'' means the Memorandum of 
        Understanding on Spectrum Coordination executed by the 
        Commission and the Administration on January 31, 2003; and
            (3) the term ``NTIA'' means the National Telecommunications 
        and Information Administration.
    (b) Updates.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Commission and the NTIA shall update the Memorandum to--
            (1) outline general processes for addressing technical, 
        procedural, and policy differences regarding frequency 
        allocation and related conditions and standards;
            (2) create a process for the resolution of non-routine 
        policy disputes between the Commission and the NTIA, including 
        specific timelines for an expeditious resolution;
            (3) clarify that--
                    (A) Congress designated the NTIA to serve as the 
                sole agency responsible for managing spectrum assigned 
                to Federal agencies, and that, as a result, the NTIA 
                represents Federal agencies in addressing technical, 
                procedural, and policy differences regarding frequency 
                allocation with the Commission, consistent with section 
                103(b) of the National Telecommunications and 
                Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 
                902(b)); and
                    (B) the representation by the NTIA described in 
                subparagraph (A) should involve the expertise of the 
                NTIA in technical, engineering, and policy matters;
            (4) ensure that scientific analyses and testing are 
        considered in actions involving spectrum allocation and 
        standards;
            (5) ensure that short-, medium-, and long-term implications 
        of spectrum policy and strategy are considered;
            (6) outline general processes for how the Commission and 
        the NTIA will form staff standing working groups with regular 
        meetings to discuss spectrum planning by the Commission and the 
        NTIA;
            (7) outline general processes for how the Commission and 
        the NTIA will jointly interact and consult with the Department 
        of State in matters regarding international spectrum 
        coordination proceedings; and
            (8) endeavor to ensure--
                    (A) the efficient use of frequencies assigned to 
                Federal agencies, consistent with the responsibilities 
                of the NTIA under section 103(b)(2)(U) of the National 
                Telecommunications and Information Administration 
                Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 902(b)(2)(U)); and
                    (B) that frequencies not required for the present 
                or identifiable future needs of the Federal Government 
                are reallocated to non-Federal Government users 
                wherever possible.
    (c) Periodic Updates.--Not later than 3 years after the date on 
which the Commission and the NTIA update the Memorandum under 
subsection (b), and every 4 years thereafter, the Commission and the 
NTIA shall update the Memorandum to reflect changing technological, 
procedural, and policy circumstances.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, and every year thereafter, the Commission and the NTIA shall 
submit to Congress a report on joint spectrum planning activities.
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