Spectrum Management and Special Funds (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Oct. 7, 2008 |
| Report Number |
RS21508 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Linda K. Moore, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (P.L. 108-494, Title II) establishesa Spectrum Relocation Fund to hold the proceeds of certain spectrum auctions for thespecific purpose of reimbursing federal entities for the costs of moving to new frequencyassignments. The spectrum to be vacated will be sold to wireless service providers toexpand advanced communications services. In addition to furthering the developmentof new wireless technologies, passage of the act represents a new aspect of nationalpolicy for spectrum management by linking spectrum auction proceeds to specificfunding programs. The Communications Act of 1934, which the Commercial SpectrumEnhancement Act amends, directs that all auction proceeds be paid to the Treasury foruse as general funds.Building on the precedent of establishing a trust fund to pay for specific purposes,Representative Stupak has introduced the Public Safety Interoperability ImplementationAct (H.R. 1323), a bill that would place some auction proceeds in trust for grants toimprove public safety communications. Senator Dodd and Representative Regula haveproposed using auction revenue to fund a variety of initiatives for applied technologyin educational and cultural programs (S. 1023, Digital Opportunity Investment TrustAct). Senator Olympia J. Snowe has introduced a bill (S. 1600) that would help lowpowertelevision stations convert to digital broadcasting technology with funds comingfrom spectrum sale proceeds. Also related to the conversion to digital TV broadcasting,the SAVE LIVES Act (S. 1268, Senator McCain), while not creating a special fund,would require that some spectrum auction proceeds be set aside for specific purposes.The Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act additionally requires the GovernmentAccountability Office to study spectrum allocation processes and to makerecommendations to Congress about possible changes. Supplementing auctions as theprimary mechanism for allocating spectrum and for generating revenue from spectrumresources would represent a shift in public policy regarding spectrum management.This report covers some of the issues of spectrum management and special funds.
