CHAPTER 13—PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM AUCTIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER I—REALLOCATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY SPECTRUM

        

SUBCHAPTER II—GOVERNANCE OF PUBLIC SAFETY SPECTRUM

        

SUBCHAPTER III—PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITMENTS

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—SPECTRUM AUCTION AUTHORITY

        

SUBCHAPTER V—NEXT GENERATION 9–1–1 ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2012

        

§1401. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) 700 MHz band

The term "700 MHz band" means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 698 megahertz to 806 megahertz.

(2) 700 MHz D block spectrum

The term "700 MHz D block spectrum" means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 758 megahertz to 763 megahertz and between the frequencies from 788 megahertz to 793 megahertz.

(3) Appropriate committees of Congress

Except as otherwise specifically provided, the term "appropriate committees of Congress" means—

(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.

(4) Assistant Secretary

The term "Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.

(5) Board

The term "Board" means the Board of the First Responder Network Authority established under section 1424(b) of this title.

(6) Broadcast television licensee

The term "broadcast television licensee" means the licensee of—

(A) a full-power television station; or

(B) a low-power television station that has been accorded primary status as a Class A television licensee under section 73.6001(a) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations.

(7) Broadcast television spectrum

The term "broadcast television spectrum" means the portions of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 54 megahertz to 72 megahertz, from 76 megahertz to 88 megahertz, from 174 megahertz to 216 megahertz, and from 470 megahertz to 698 megahertz.

(8) Commercial mobile data service

The term "commercial mobile data service" means any mobile service (as defined in section 153 of this title) that is—

(A) a data service;

(B) provided for profit; and

(C) available to the public or such classes of eligible users as to be effectively available to a substantial portion of the public, as specified by regulation by the Commission.

(9) Commercial mobile service

The term "commercial mobile service" has the meaning given such term in section 332 of this title.

(10) Commercial standards

The term "commercial standards" means the technical standards followed by the commercial mobile service and commercial mobile data service industries for network, device, and Internet Protocol connectivity. Such term includes standards developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

(11) Commission

The term "Commission" means the Federal Communications Commission.

(12) Core network

The term "core network" means the core network described in section 1422(b)(1) of this title.

(13) Emergency call

The term "emergency call" means any real-time communication with a public safety answering point or other emergency management or response agency, including—

(A) through voice, text, or video and related data; and

(B) nonhuman-initiated automatic event alerts, such as alarms, telematics, or sensor data, which may also include real-time voice, text, or video communications.

(14) Existing public safety broadband spectrum

The term "existing public safety broadband spectrum" means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies—

(A) from 763 megahertz to 768 megahertz;

(B) from 793 megahertz to 798 megahertz;

(C) from 768 megahertz to 769 megahertz; and

(D) from 798 megahertz to 799 megahertz.

(15) First Responder Network Authority

The term "First Responder Network Authority" means the First Responder Network Authority established under section 1424 of this title.

(16) Forward auction

The term "forward auction" means the portion of an incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum under section 1452(c) of this title.

(17) Incentive auction

The term "incentive auction" means a system of competitive bidding under subparagraph (G) of section 309(j)(8) of this title, as added by section 6402.

(18) Interoperability Board

The term "Interoperability Board" means the Technical Advisory Board for First Responder Interoperability established under section 1423 of this title.

(19) Multichannel video programming distributor

The term "multichannel video programming distributor" has the meaning given such term in section 522 of this title.

(20) Narrowband spectrum

The term "narrowband spectrum" means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 769 megahertz to 775 megahertz and between the frequencies from 799 megahertz to 805 megahertz.

(21) Nationwide public safety broadband network

The term "nationwide public safety broadband network" means the nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network described in section 1422 of this title.

(22) Next Generation 9–1–1 services

The term "Next Generation 9–1–1 services" means an IP-based system comprised of hardware, software, data, and operational policies and procedures that—

(A) provides standardized interfaces from emergency call and message services to support emergency communications;

(B) processes all types of emergency calls, including voice, text, data, and multimedia information;

(C) acquires and integrates additional emergency call data useful to call routing and handling;

(D) delivers the emergency calls, messages, and data to the appropriate public safety answering point and other appropriate emergency entities;

(E) supports data or video communications needs for coordinated incident response and management; and

(F) provides broadband service to public safety answering points or other first responder entities.

(23) NIST

The term "NIST" means the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

(24) NTIA

The term "NTIA" means the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

(25) Public safety answering point

The term "public safety answering point" has the meaning given such term in section 222 of this title.

(26) Public safety entity

The term "public safety entity" means an entity that provides public safety services.

(27) Public safety services

The term "public safety services"—

(A) has the meaning given the term in section 337(f) of this title; and

(B) includes services provided by emergency response providers, as that term is defined in section 101 of title 6.

(28) Public Safety Trust Fund

The term "Public Safety Trust Fund" means the trust fund established under section 1457(a)(1) of this title.

(29) Radio access network

The term "radio access network" means the radio access network described in section 1422(b)(2) of this title.

(30) Reverse auction

The term "reverse auction" means the portion of an incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum under section 1452(a) of this title, in which a broadcast television licensee may submit bids stating the amount it would accept for voluntarily relinquishing some or all of its broadcast television spectrum usage rights.

(31) State

The term "State" has the meaning given such term in section 153 of this title.

(32) Ultra high frequency

The term "ultra high frequency" means, with respect to a television channel, that the channel is located in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 470 megahertz to 698 megahertz.

(33) Very high frequency

The term "very high frequency" means, with respect to a television channel, that the channel is located in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 54 megahertz to 72 megahertz, from 76 megahertz to 88 megahertz, or from 174 megahertz to 216 megahertz.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6001, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 201.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 6402, referred to in par. (17), is section 6402 of Pub. L. 112–96, which amended section 309 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6501, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 237, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle E (§§6501–6509) of title VI of Pub. L. 112–96, enacting sections 1471 to 1473 of this title and amending section 942 of this title] may be cited as the 'Next Generation 9–1–1 Advancement Act of 2012'."

§1402. Rule of construction

Each range of frequencies described in this chapter shall be construed to be inclusive of the upper and lower frequencies in the range.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6002, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 204.)

§1403. Enforcement

(a) In general

The Commission shall implement and enforce this chapter as if this chapter is a part of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.). A violation of this chapter, or a regulation promulgated under this chapter, shall be considered to be a violation of the Communications Act of 1934, or a regulation promulgated under such Act, respectively.

(b) Exceptions

(1) Other agencies

Subsection (a) does not apply in the case of a provision of this chapter that is expressly required to be carried out by an agency (as defined in section 551 of title 5) other than the Commission.

(2) NTIA regulations

The Assistant Secretary may promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement and enforce any provision of this chapter that is expressly required to be carried out by the Assistant Secretary.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6003, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 204.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.

§1404. National security restrictions on use of funds and auction participation

(a) Use of funds

No funds made available by subchapter II or III may be used to make payments under a contract to a person described in subsection (c).

(b) Auction participation

A person described in subsection (c) may not participate in a system of competitive bidding under section 309(j) of this title—

(1) that is required to be conducted by this chapter; or

(2) in which any spectrum usage rights for which licenses are being assigned were made available under clause (i) of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (8) of such section, as added by section 6402.

(c) Person described

A person described in this subsection is a person who has been, for reasons of national security, barred by any agency of the Federal Government from bidding on a contract, participating in an auction, or receiving a grant.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6004, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 205.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 6402, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is section 6402 of Pub. L. 112–96, which amended section 309 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER I—REALLOCATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY SPECTRUM

§1411. Reallocation of D block to public safety

(a) In general

The Commission shall reallocate the 700 MHz D block spectrum for use by public safety entities in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Omitted

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6101, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 205.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this Act", and was translated as reading "this title", meaning title VI of Pub. L. 112–96, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 201, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Title VI enacted this chapter and section 929 of this title, amended sections 309, 337, 614, 902, 923, 928, and 942 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Codification

Section is comprised of section 6101 of Pub. L. 112–96. Subsec. (b) of section 6101 of Pub. L. 112–96 amended section 337 of this title.

§1412. Flexible use of narrowband spectrum

The Commission may allow the narrowband spectrum to be used in a flexible manner, including usage for public safety broadband communications, subject to such technical and interference protection measures as the Commission may require.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6102, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 205.)

§1413. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX, §902(b)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3206

Section, Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6103, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 205, related to 470–512 MHz public safety spectrum.

SUBCHAPTER II—GOVERNANCE OF PUBLIC SAFETY SPECTRUM

§1421. Single public safety wireless network licensee

(a) Reallocation and grant of license

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to the provisions of this chapter, the Commission shall reallocate and grant a license to the First Responder Network Authority for the use of the 700 MHz D block spectrum and existing public safety broadband spectrum.

(b) Term of license

(1) Initial license

The license granted under subsection (a) shall be for an initial term of 10 years from the date of the initial issuance of the license.

(2) Renewal of license

Prior to expiration of the term of the initial license granted under subsection (a) or the expiration of any subsequent renewal of such license, the First Responder Network Authority shall submit to the Commission an application for the renewal of such license. Such renewal application shall demonstrate that, during the preceding license term, the First Responder Network Authority has met the duties and obligations set forth under this chapter. A renewal license granted under this paragraph shall be for a term of not to exceed 10 years.

(c) Facilitation of transition

The Commission shall take all actions necessary to facilitate the transition of the existing public safety broadband spectrum to the First Responder Network Authority.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6201, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 206.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(2), was in the original "this Act", and was translated as reading "this title", meaning title VI of Pub. L. 112–96, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 201, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Title VI enacted this chapter and section 929 of this title, amended sections 309, 337, 614, 902, 923, 928, and 942 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

§1422. Public safety broadband network

(a) Establishment

The First Responder Network Authority shall ensure the establishment of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network.

(b) Network components

The nationwide public safety broadband network shall be based on a single, national network architecture that evolves with technological advancements and initially consists of—

(1) a core network that—

(A) consists of national and regional data centers, and other elements and functions that may be distributed geographically, all of which shall be based on commercial standards; and

(B) provides the connectivity between—

(i) the radio access network; and

(ii) the public Internet or the public switched network, or both; and

(2) a radio access network that—

(A) consists of all cell site equipment, antennas, and backhaul equipment, based on commercial standards, that are required to enable wireless communications with devices using the public safety broadband spectrum; and

(B) shall be developed, constructed, managed, maintained, and operated taking into account the plans developed in the State, local, and tribal planning and implementation grant program under section 1442(a) of this title.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6202, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 206.)

§1423. Public safety Interoperability Board

(a) Establishment

There is established within the Commission an advisory board to be known as the "Technical Advisory Board for First Responder Interoperability".

(b) Membership

(1) In general

(A) Voting members

Not later than 30 days after February 22, 2012, the Chairman of the Commission shall appoint 14 voting members to the Interoperability Board, of which—

(i) 4 members shall be representatives of wireless providers, of which—

(I) 2 members shall be representatives of national wireless providers;

(II) 1 member shall be a representative of regional wireless providers; and

(III) 1 member shall be a representative of rural wireless providers;

(ii) 3 members shall be representatives of equipment manufacturers;

(iii) 4 members shall be representatives of public safety entities, of which—

(I) not less than 1 member shall be a representative of management level employees of public safety entities; and

(II) not less than 1 member shall be a representative of employees of public safety entities;

(iv) 3 members shall be representatives of State and local governments, chosen to reflect geographic and population density differences across the United States; and

(v) all members shall have specific expertise necessary to developing technical requirements under this section, such as technical expertise, public safety communications expertise, and commercial network experience.

(B) Non-voting member

The Assistant Secretary shall appoint 1 non-voting member to the Interoperability Board.

(2) Period of appointment

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), members of the Interoperability Board shall be appointed for the life of the Interoperability Board.

(B) Removal for cause

A member of the Interoperability Board may be removed for cause upon the determination of the Chairman of the Commission.

(3) Vacancies

Any vacancy in the Interoperability Board shall not affect the powers of the Interoperability Board, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(4) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

The Interoperability Board shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the Interoperability Board.

(5) Quorum

A majority of the members of the Interoperability Board shall constitute a quorum.

(c) Duties of the Interoperability Board

(1) Development of technical requirements

Not later than 90 days after February 22, 2012, the Interoperability Board, in consultation with the NTIA, NIST, and the Office of Emergency Communications of the Department of Homeland Security, shall—

(A) develop recommended minimum technical requirements to ensure a nationwide level of interoperability for the nationwide public safety broadband network; and

(B) submit to the Commission for review in accordance with paragraph (3) recommended minimum technical requirements described in subparagraph (A).

(2) Consideration

In developing recommended minimum technical requirements under paragraph (1), the Interoperability Board shall base the recommended minimum technical requirements on the commercial standards for Long Term Evolution (LTE) service.

(3) Approval of recommendations

(A) In general

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Interoperability Board submits recommended minimum technical requirements under paragraph (1)(B), the Commission shall approve the recommendations, with any revisions it deems necessary, and transmit such recommendations to the First Responder Network Authority.

(B) Review

Any actions taken under subparagraph (A) shall not be reviewable as a final agency action.

(d) Travel expenses

The members of the Interoperability Board shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Interoperability Board.

(e) Exemption from chapter 10 of title 5

Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the Interoperability Board.

(f) Termination of authority

The Interoperability Board shall terminate 15 days after the date on which the Commission transmits the recommendations to the First Responder Network Authority under subsection (c)(3)(A).

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6203, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 207; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(301), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4339.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 10 of title 5" for "FACA" in heading and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.

§1424. Establishment of the First Responder Network Authority

(a) Establishment

There is established as an independent authority within the NTIA the "First Responder Network Authority" or "FirstNet".

(b) Board

(1) In general

The First Responder Network Authority shall be headed by a Board, which shall consist of—

(A) the Secretary of Homeland Security;

(B) the Attorney General of the United States;

(C) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; and

(D) 12 individuals appointed by the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with paragraph (2).

(2) Appointments

(A) In general

In making appointments under paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary of Commerce shall—

(i) appoint not fewer than 3 individuals to represent the collective interests of the States, localities, tribes, and territories;

(ii) seek to ensure geographic and regional representation of the United States in such appointments;

(iii) seek to ensure rural and urban representation in such appointments; and

(iv) appoint not fewer than 3 individuals who have served as public safety professionals.

(B) Required qualifications

(i) In general

Each member appointed under paragraph (1)(D) should meet not less than 1 of the following criteria:

(I) Public safety experience

Knowledge and experience in the use of Federal, State, local, or tribal public safety or emergency response.

(II) Technical expertise

Technical expertise and fluency regarding broadband communications, including public safety communications.

(III) Network expertise

Expertise in building, deploying, and operating commercial telecommunications networks.

(IV) Financial expertise

Expertise in financing and funding telecommunications networks.

(ii) Expertise to be represented

In making appointments under paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary of Commerce shall appoint—

(I) not fewer than 1 individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (II) of clause (i);

(II) not fewer than 1 individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (III) of clause (i); and

(III) not fewer than 1 individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (IV) of clause (i).

(C) Citizenship

No individual other than a citizen of the United States may serve as a member of the Board.

(c) Terms of appointment

(1) Initial appointment deadline

Members of the Board shall be appointed not later than 180 days after February 22, 2012.

(2) Terms

(A) Length

(i) In general

Each member of the Board described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall serve as a member of the Board for the life of the First Responder Network Authority.

(ii) Appointed individuals

The term of office of each individual appointed to be a member of the Board under subsection (b)(1)(D) shall be 3 years. No member described in this clause may serve more than 2 consecutive full 3-year terms.

(B) Expiration of term

Any member whose term has expired may serve until such member's successor has taken office, or until the end of the calendar year in which such member's term has expired, whichever is earlier.

(C) Appointment to fill vacancy

Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which that member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of the predecessor's term.

(D) Staggered terms

With respect to the initial members of the Board appointed under subsection (b)(1)(D)—

(i) 4 members shall serve for a term of 3 years;

(ii) 4 members shall serve for a term of 2 years; and

(iii) 4 members shall serve for a term of 1 year.

(3) Vacancies

A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not affect the Board's powers, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original member was appointed.

(d) Chair

(1) Selection

The Secretary of Commerce shall select, from among the members of the Board appointed under subsection (b)(1)(D), an individual to serve for a 2-year term as Chair of the Board.

(2) Consecutive terms

An individual may not serve for more than 2 consecutive terms as Chair of the Board.

(e) Meetings

(1) Frequency

The Board shall meet—

(A) at the call of the Chair; and

(B) not less frequently than once each quarter.

(2) Transparency

Meetings of the Board, including any committee of the Board, shall be open to the public. The Board may, by majority vote, close any such meeting only for the time necessary to preserve the confidentiality of commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential, to discuss personnel matters, or to discuss legal matters affecting the First Responder Network Authority, including pending or potential litigation.

(f) Quorum

Eight members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, including at least 6 of the members appointed under subsection (b)(1)(D).

(g) Compensation

(1) In general

The members of the Board appointed under subsection (b)(1)(D) shall be compensated at the daily rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule for each day during which such members are engaged in performing a function of the Board.

(2) Prohibition on compensation

A member of the Board appointed under subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall serve without additional pay, and shall not otherwise benefit, directly or indirectly, as a result of their service to the First Responder Network Authority, but shall be allowed a per diem allowance for travel expenses, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the First Responder Network Authority.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6204, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 208.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Level IV of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), is set out under section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§1425. Advisory committees of the First Responder Network Authority

(a) Advisory committees

The First Responder Network Authority—

(1) shall establish a standing public safety advisory committee to assist the First Responder Network Authority in carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this subchapter; and

(2) may establish additional standing or ad hoc committees, panels, or councils as the First Responder Network Authority determines are necessary.

(b) Selection of agents, consultants, and experts

(1) In general

The First Responder Network Authority shall select parties to serve as its agents, consultants, or experts in a fair, transparent, and objective manner, and such agents may include a program manager to carry out certain of the duties and responsibilities of deploying and operating the nationwide public safety broadband network described in subsections (b) and (c) of section 1426 of this title.

(2) Binding and final

If the selection of an agent, consultant, or expert satisfies the requirements under paragraph (1), the selection of that agent, consultant, or expert shall be final and binding.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6205, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 211.)

§1426. Powers, duties, and responsibilities of the First Responder Network Authority

(a) General powers

The First Responder Network Authority shall have the authority to do the following:

(1) To exercise, through the actions of its Board, all powers specifically granted by the provisions of this subchapter, and such incidental powers as shall be necessary.

(2) To hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the First Responder Network Authority considers necessary to carry out its responsibilities and duties.

(3) To obtain grants and funds from and make contracts with individuals, private companies, organizations, institutions, and Federal, State, regional, and local agencies.

(4) To accept, hold, administer, and utilize gifts, donations, and bequests of property, both real and personal, for the purposes of aiding or facilitating the work of the First Responder Network Authority.

(5) To spend funds under paragraph (3) in a manner authorized by the Board, but only for purposes that will advance or enhance public safety communications consistent with this chapter.

(6) To take such other actions as the First Responder Network Authority (through the Board) may from time to time determine necessary, appropriate, or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

(b) Duty and responsibility to deploy and operate a nationwide public safety broadband network

(1) In general

The First Responder Network Authority shall hold the single public safety wireless license granted under section 1421 of this title and take all actions necessary to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network, in consultation with Federal, State, tribal, and local public safety entities, the Director of NIST, the Commission, and the public safety advisory committee established in section 1425(a) of this title, including by, at a minimum—

(A) ensuring nationwide standards for use and access of the network;

(B) issuing open, transparent, and competitive requests for proposals to private sector entities for the purposes of building, operating, and maintaining the network that use, without materially changing, the minimum technical requirements developed under section 1423 of this title;

(C) encouraging that such requests leverage, to the maximum extent economically desirable, existing commercial wireless infrastructure to speed deployment of the network; and

(D) managing and overseeing the implementation and execution of contracts or agreements with non-Federal entities to build, operate, and maintain the network.

(2) Requirements

In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this subsection, including issuing requests for proposals, the First Responder Network Authority shall—

(A) ensure the safety, security, and resiliency of the network, including requirements for protecting and monitoring the network to protect against cyberattack;

(B) promote competition in the equipment market, including devices for public safety communications, by requiring that equipment for use on the network be—

(i) built to open, non-proprietary, commercially available standards;

(ii) capable of being used by any public safety entity and by multiple vendors across all public safety broadband networks operating in the 700 MHz band; and

(iii) backward-compatible with existing commercial networks to the extent that such capabilities are necessary and technically and economically reasonable;

(C) promote integration of the network with public safety answering points or their equivalent; and

(D) address special considerations for areas or regions with unique homeland security or national security needs.

(3) Rural coverage

In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this subsection, including issuing requests for proposals, the nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network, consistent with the license granted under section 1421 of this title, shall require deployment phases with substantial rural coverage milestones as part of each phase of the construction and deployment of the network. To the maximum extent economically desirable, such proposals shall include partnerships with existing commercial mobile providers to utilize cost-effective opportunities to speed deployment in rural areas.

(4) Execution of authority

In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this subsection, the First Responder Network Authority may—

(A) obtain grants from and make contracts with individuals, private companies, and Federal, State, regional, and local agencies;

(B) hire or accept voluntary services of consultants, experts, advisory boards, and panels to aid the First Responder Network Authority in carrying out such duties and responsibilities;

(C) receive payment for use of—

(i) network capacity licensed to the First Responder Network Authority; and

(ii) network infrastructure constructed, owned, or operated by the First Responder Network Authority; and

(D) take such other actions as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes set forth in this subsection.

(c) Other specific duties and responsibilities

(1) Establishment of network policies

In carrying out the requirements under subsection (b), the First Responder Network Authority shall develop—

(A) requests for proposals with appropriate—

(i) timetables for construction, including by taking into consideration the time needed to build out to rural areas and the advantages offered through partnerships with existing commercial providers under paragraph (3);

(ii) coverage areas, including coverage in rural and nonurban areas;

(iii) service levels;

(iv) performance criteria; and

(v) other similar matters for the construction and deployment of such network;

(B) the technical and operational requirements of the network;

(C) practices, procedures, and standards for the management and operation of such network;

(D) terms of service for the use of such network, including billing practices; and

(E) ongoing compliance review and monitoring of the—

(i) management and operation of such network;

(ii) practices and procedures of the entities operating on and the personnel using such network; and

(iii) necessary training needs of network operators and users.

(2) State and local planning

(A) Required consultation

In developing requests for proposals and otherwise carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter, the First Responder Network Authority shall consult with regional, State, tribal, and local jurisdictions regarding the distribution and expenditure of any amounts required to carry out the policies established under paragraph (1), including with regard to the—

(i) construction of a core network and any radio access network build out;

(ii) placement of towers;

(iii) coverage areas of the network, whether at the regional, State, tribal, or local level;

(iv) adequacy of hardening, security, reliability, and resiliency requirements;

(v) assignment of priority to local users;

(vi) assignment of priority and selection of entities seeking access to or use of the nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network established under subsection (b); and

(vii) training needs of local users.

(B) Method of consultation

The consultation required under subparagraph (A) shall occur between the First Responder Network Authority and the single officer or governmental body designated under section 1442(d) of this title.

(3) Leveraging existing infrastructure

In carrying out the requirement under subsection (b), the First Responder Network Authority shall enter into agreements to utilize, to the maximum extent economically desirable, existing—

(A) commercial or other communications infrastructure; and

(B) Federal, State, tribal, or local infrastructure.

(4) Maintenance and upgrades

The First Responder Network Authority shall ensure the maintenance, operation, and improvement of the nationwide public safety broadband network, including by ensuring that the First Responder Network Authority updates and revises any policies established under paragraph (1) to take into account new and evolving technologies.

(5) Roaming agreements

The First Responder Network Authority shall negotiate and enter into, as it determines appropriate, roaming agreements with commercial network providers to allow the nationwide public safety broadband network to roam onto commercial networks and gain prioritization of public safety communications over such networks in times of an emergency.

(6) Network infrastructure and device criteria

The Director of NIST, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority and the Commission, shall ensure the development of a list of certified devices and components meeting appropriate protocols and standards for public safety entities and commercial vendors to adhere to, if such entities or vendors seek to have access to, use of, or compatibility with the nationwide public safety broadband network.

(7) Representation before standard setting entities

The First Responder Network Authority, in consultation with the Director of NIST, the Commission, and the public safety advisory committee established under section 1425(a) of this title, shall represent the interests of public safety users of the nationwide public safety broadband network before any proceeding, negotiation, or other matter in which a standards organization, standards body, standards development organization, or any other recognized standards-setting entity addresses the development of standards relating to interoperability.

(8) Prohibition on negotiation with foreign governments

The First Responder Network Authority shall not have the authority to negotiate or enter into any agreements with a foreign government on behalf of the United States.

(d) Exemption from certain laws

Any action taken or decisions made by the First Responder Network Authority shall be exempt from the requirements of—

(1) section 3506 of title 44 (commonly referred to as the Paperwork Reduction Act);

(2) chapter 5 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Administrative Procedures Act); and

(3) chapter 6 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Regulatory Flexibility Act).

(e) Network Construction Fund

(1) Establishment

There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the "Network Construction Fund".

(2) Use of Fund

Amounts deposited into the Network Construction Fund shall be used by the—

(A) First Responder Network Authority to carry out this section, except for administrative expenses; and

(B) NTIA to make grants to States under section 1442(e)(3)(C)(iii)(I) of this title.

(f) Termination of Authority

The authority of the First Responder Network Authority shall terminate on the date that is 15 years after February 22, 2012.

(g) GAO report

Not later than 10 years after February 22, 2012, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on what action Congress should take regarding the 15-year sunset of authority under subsection (f).

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6206, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 211.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), was in the original "this Act", and was translated as reading "this title", meaning title VI of Pub. L. 112–96, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 201, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Title VI enacted this chapter and section 929 of this title, amended sections 309, 337, 614, 902, 923, 928, and 942 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

§1427. Initial funding for the First Responder Network Authority

(a) Borrowing authority

Prior to the deposit of proceeds into the Public Safety Trust Fund from the incentive auctions to be carried out under section 309(j)(8)(G) of this title or the auction of spectrum pursuant to section 1451 of this title, the NTIA may borrow from the Treasury such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $2,000,000,000, to implement this subchapter. The NTIA shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, from funds deposited into the Public Safety Trust Fund.

(b) Prohibition

(1) In general

Administrative expenses of the First Responder Network Authority may not exceed $100,000,000 during the 10-year period beginning on February 22, 2012.

(2) Definition

For purposes of this subsection, the term "administrative expenses" does not include the costs incurred by the First Responder Network Authority for oversight and audits to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6207, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 215.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1451, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "section 6401" and means section 6401 of Pub. L. 112–96, which enacted section 1451 of this title and amended section 309 of this title.

§1428. Permanent self-funding; duty to assess and collect fees for network use

(a) In general

Notwithstanding section 337 of this title, the First Responder Network Authority is authorized to assess and collect the following fees:

(1) Network user fee

A user or subscription fee from each entity, including any public safety entity or secondary user, that seeks access to or use of the nationwide public safety broadband network.

(2) Lease fees related to network capacity

(A) In general

A fee from any entity that seeks to enter into a covered leasing agreement.

(B) Covered leasing agreement

For purposes of subparagraph (A), a "covered leasing agreement" means a written agreement resulting from a public-private arrangement to construct, manage, and operate the nationwide public safety broadband network between the First Responder Network Authority and secondary user to permit—

(i) access to network capacity on a secondary basis for non-public safety services; and

(ii) the spectrum allocated to such entity to be used for commercial transmissions along the dark fiber of the long-haul network of such entity.

(3) Lease fees related to network equipment and infrastructure

A fee from any entity that seeks access to or use of any equipment or infrastructure, including antennas or towers, constructed or otherwise owned by the First Responder Network Authority resulting from a public-private arrangement to construct, manage, and operate the nationwide public safety broadband network.

(b) Establishment of fee amounts; permanent self-funding

The total amount of the fees assessed for each fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be sufficient, and shall not exceed the amount necessary, to recoup the total expenses of the First Responder Network Authority in carrying out its duties and responsibilities described under this subchapter for the fiscal year involved.

(c) Annual approval

The NTIA shall review the fees assessed under this section on an annual basis, and such fees may only be assessed if approved by the NTIA.

(d) Required reinvestment of funds

The First Responder Network Authority shall reinvest amounts received from the assessment of fees under this section in the nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network by using such funds only for constructing, maintaining, operating, or improving the network.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6208, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 215.)

§1429. Audit and report

(a) Audit

(1) In general

The Secretary of Commerce shall enter into a contract with an independent auditor to conduct an audit, on an annual basis, of the First Responder Network Authority in accordance with general accounting principles and procedures applicable to commercial corporate transactions. Each audit conducted under this paragraph shall be made available to the appropriate committees of Congress.

(2) Location

Any audit conducted under paragraph (1) shall be conducted at the place or places where accounts of the First Responder Network Authority are normally kept.

(3) Access to First Responder Network Authority books and documents

(A) In general

For purposes of an audit conducted under paragraph (1), the representatives of the independent auditor shall—

(i) have access to all books, accounts, records, reports, files, and all other papers, things, or property belonging to or in use by the First Responder Network Authority that pertain to the financial transactions of the First Responder Network Authority and are necessary to facilitate the audit; and

(ii) be afforded full facilities for verifying transactions with the balances or securities held by depositories, fiscal agents, and custodians.

(B) Requirement

All books, accounts, records, reports, files, papers, and property of the First Responder Network Authority shall remain in the possession and custody of the First Responder Network Authority.

(b) Report

(1) In general

The independent auditor selected to conduct an audit under this section shall submit a report of each audit conducted under subsection (a) to—

(A) the appropriate committees of Congress;

(B) the President; and

(C) the First Responder Network Authority.

(2) Contents

Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall contain—

(A) such comments and information as the independent auditor determines necessary to inform Congress of the financial operations and condition of the First Responder Network Authority;

(B) any recommendations of the independent auditor relating to the financial operations and condition of the First Responder Network Authority; and

(C) a description of any program, expenditure, or other financial transaction or undertaking of the First Responder Network Authority that was observed during the course of the audit, which, in the opinion of the independent auditor, has been carried on or made without the authority of law.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6209, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 216.)

§1430. Annual report to Congress

(a) In general

Not later than 1 year after February 22, 2012, and each year thereafter, the First Responder Network Authority shall submit an annual report covering the preceding fiscal year to the appropriate committees of Congress.

(b) Required content

The report required under subsection (a) shall include—

(1) a comprehensive and detailed report of the operations, activities, financial condition, and accomplishments of the First Responder Network Authority under this section; and

(2) such recommendations or proposals for legislative or administrative action as the First Responder Network Authority deems appropriate.

(c) Availability to testify

The members of the Board and employees of the First Responder Network Authority shall be available to testify before the appropriate committees of the Congress with respect to—

(1) the report required under subsection (a);

(2) the report of any audit conducted under section 1429 ¹ of this title; or

(3) any other matter which such committees may determine appropriate.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6210, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 217.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1429 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), was in the original a reference to section 6210 of Pub. L. 112–96, this section, and was translated as if it had been a reference to section 6209 of Pub. L. 112–96, which is classified to section 1429 of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Section 6210 does not relate to audits.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§1431. Public safety roaming and priority access

The Commission may adopt rules, if necessary in the public interest, to improve the ability of public safety networks to roam onto commercial networks and to gain priority access to commercial networks in an emergency if—

(1) the public safety entity equipment is technically compatible with the commercial network;

(2) the commercial network is reasonably compensated; and

(3) such access does not preempt or otherwise terminate or degrade all existing voice conversations or data sessions.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6211, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 218.)

§1432. Prohibition on direct offering of commercial telecommunications service directly to consumers

(a) In general

The First Responder Network Authority shall not offer, provide, or market commercial telecommunications or information services directly to consumers.

(b) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the First Responder Network Authority and a secondary user from entering into a covered leasing agreement pursuant to section 1428(a)(2)(B) of this title. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the First Responder Network Authority from collecting lease fees related to network equipment and infrastructure pursuant to section 1428(a)(3) of this title.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6212, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 218.)

§1433. Provision of technical assistance

The Commission may provide technical assistance to the First Responder Network Authority and may take any action necessary to assist the First Responder Network Authority in effectuating its duties and responsibilities under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6213, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 218.)

SUBCHAPTER III—PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITMENTS

§1441. State and Local Implementation Fund

(a) Establishment

There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the State and Local Implementation Fund.

(b) Amounts available for State and Local Implementation Grant Program

Any amounts borrowed under subsection (c)(1) and any amounts in the State and Local Implementation Fund that are not necessary to reimburse the general fund of the Treasury for such borrowed amounts shall be available to the Assistant Secretary to implement section 1442 of this title.

(c) Borrowing authority

(1) In general

Prior to the end of fiscal year 2022, the Assistant Secretary may borrow from the general fund of the Treasury such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $135,000,000, to implement section 1442 of this title.

(2) Reimbursement

The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the general fund of the Treasury, without interest, for any amounts borrowed under paragraph (1) as funds are deposited into the State and Local Implementation Fund.

(d) Transfer of unused funds

If there is a balance remaining in the State and Local Implementation Fund on September 30, 2022, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer such balance to the general fund of the Treasury, where such balance shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6301, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 218.)

§1442. State and local implementation

(a) Establishment of State and Local Implementation Grant Program

The Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority, shall take such action as is necessary to establish a grant program to make grants to States to assist State, regional, tribal, and local jurisdictions to identify, plan, and implement the most efficient and effective way for such jurisdictions to utilize and integrate the infrastructure, equipment, and other architecture associated with the nationwide public safety broadband network to satisfy the wireless communications and data services needs of that jurisdiction, including with regards to coverage, siting, and other needs.

(b) Matching requirements; Federal share

(1) In general

The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out using a grant under this section may not exceed 80 percent of the eligible costs of carrying out that activity, as determined by the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority.

(2) Waiver

The Assistant Secretary may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of paragraph (1) for good cause shown if the Assistant Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the public interest.

(c) Programmatic requirements

Not later than 6 months after February 22, 2012, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority, shall establish requirements relating to the grant program to be carried out under this section, including the following:

(1) Defining eligible costs for purposes of subsection (b)(1).

(2) Determining the scope of eligible activities for grant funding under this section.

(3) Prioritizing grants for activities that ensure coverage in rural as well as urban areas.

(d) Certification and designation of officer or governmental body

In carrying out the grant program established under this section, the Assistant Secretary shall require each State to certify in its application for grant funds that the State has designated a single officer or governmental body to serve as the coordinator of implementation of the grant funds.

(e) State network

(1) Notice

Upon the completion of the request for proposal process conducted by the First Responder Network Authority for the construction, operation, maintenance, and improvement of the nationwide public safety broadband network, the First Responder Network Authority shall provide to the Governor of each State, or his designee—

(A) notice of the completion of the request for proposal process;

(B) details of the proposed plan for buildout of the nationwide, interoperable broadband network in such State; and

(C) the funding level for the State as determined by the NTIA.

(2) State decision

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Governor of a State receives notice under paragraph (1), the Governor shall choose whether to—

(A) participate in the deployment of the nationwide, interoperable broadband network as proposed by the First Responder Network Authority; or

(B) conduct its own deployment of a radio access network in such State.

(3) Process

(A) In general

Upon making a decision to opt-out under paragraph (2)(B), the Governor shall notify the First Responder Network Authority, the NTIA, and the Commission of such decision.

(B) State request for proposals

Not later than 180 days after the date on which a Governor provides notice under subparagraph (A), the Governor shall develop and complete requests for proposals for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the radio access network within the State.

(C) Submission and approval of alternative plan

(i) In general

The State shall submit an alternative plan for the construction, maintenance, operation, and improvements of the radio access network within the State to the Commission, and such plan shall demonstrate—

(I) that the State will be in compliance with the minimum technical interoperability requirements developed under section 1423 of this title; and

(II) interoperability with the nationwide public safety broadband network.

(ii) Commission approval or disapproval

Upon submission of a State plan under clause (i), the Commission shall either approve or disapprove the plan.

(iii) Approval

If the Commission approves a plan under this subparagraph, the State—

(I) may apply to the NTIA for a grant to construct the radio access network within the State that includes the showing described in subparagraph (D); and

(II) shall apply to the NTIA to lease spectrum capacity from the First Responder Network Authority.

(iv) Disapproval

If the Commission disapproves a plan under this subparagraph, the construction, maintenance, operation, and improvements of the network within the State shall proceed in accordance with the plan proposed by the First Responder Network Authority.

(D) Funding requirements

In order to obtain grant funds and spectrum capacity leasing rights under subparagraph (C)(iii), a State shall demonstrate—

(i) that the State has—

(I) the technical capabilities to operate, and the funding to support, the State radio access network;

(II) has the ability to maintain ongoing interoperability with the nationwide public safety broadband network; and

(III) the ability to complete the project within specified comparable timelines specific to the State;

(ii) the cost-effectiveness of the State plan submitted under subparagraph (C)(i); and

(iii) comparable security, coverage, and quality of service to that of the nationwide public safety broadband network.

(f) User fees

If a State chooses to build its own radio access network, the State shall pay any user fees associated with State use of elements of the core network.

(g) Prohibition

(1) In general

A State that chooses to build its own radio access network shall not provide commercial service to consumers or offer wholesale leasing capacity of the network within the State except directly through public-private partnerships for construction, maintenance, operation, and improvement of the network within the State.

(2) Rule of construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the State and a secondary user from entering into a covered leasing agreement. Any revenue gained by the State from such a leasing agreement shall be used only for constructing, maintaining, operating, or improving the radio access network of the State.

(h) Judicial review

(1) In general

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review a decision of the Commission made under subsection (e)(3)(C)(iv).

(2) Standard of review

The court shall affirm the decision of the Commission unless—

(A) the decision was procured by corruption, fraud, or undue means;

(B) there was actual partiality or corruption in the Commission; or

(C) the Commission was guilty of misconduct in refusing to hear evidence pertinent and material to the decision or of any other misbehavior by which the rights of any party have been prejudiced.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6302, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 219.)

§1443. Public safety wireless communications research and development

(a) NIST directed research and development program

From amounts made available from the Public Safety Trust Fund, the Director of NIST, in consultation with the Commission, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the National Institute of Justice of the Department of Justice, as appropriate, shall conduct research and assist with the development of standards, technologies, and applications to advance wireless public safety communications.

(b) Required activities

In carrying out the requirement under subsection (a), the Director of NIST, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority and the public safety advisory committee established under section 1425(a) of this title, shall—

(1) document public safety wireless communications technical requirements;

(2) accelerate the development of the capability for communications between currently deployed public safety narrowband systems and the nationwide public safety broadband network;

(3) establish a research plan, and direct research, that addresses the wireless communications needs of public safety entities beyond what can be provided by the current generation of broadband technology;

(4) accelerate the development of mission critical voice, including device-to-device "talkaround" capability over broadband networks, public safety prioritization, authentication capabilities, and standard application programing interfaces for the nationwide public safety broadband network, if necessary and practical;

(5) accelerate the development of communications technology and equipment that can facilitate the eventual migration of public safety narrowband communications to the nationwide public safety broadband network; and

(6) convene working groups of relevant government and commercial parties to achieve the requirements in paragraphs (1) through (5).

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6303, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 221.)

SUBCHAPTER IV—SPECTRUM AUCTION AUTHORITY

§1451. Deadlines for auction of certain spectrum

(a) Clearing certain Federal spectrum

(1) In general

The President shall—

(A) not later than 3 years after February 22, 2012, begin the process of withdrawing or modifying the assignment to a Federal Government station of the electromagnetic spectrum described in paragraph (2); and

(B) not later than 30 days after completing the withdrawal or modification, notify the Commission that the withdrawal or modification is complete.

(2) Spectrum described

The electromagnetic spectrum described in this paragraph is the 15 megahertz of spectrum between 1675 megahertz and 1710 megahertz identified under paragraph (3).

(3) Identification by Secretary of Commerce

Not later than 1 year after February 22, 2012, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the President a report identifying 15 megahertz of spectrum between 1675 megahertz and 1710 megahertz for reallocation from Federal use to non-Federal use.

(b) Reallocation and auction

(1) In general

Notwithstanding paragraph (15)(A) of section 309(j) of this title, not later than 3 years after February 22, 2012, the Commission shall, except as provided in paragraph (4)—

(A) allocate the spectrum described in paragraph (2) for commercial use; and

(B) through a system of competitive bidding under such section, grant new initial licenses for the use of such spectrum, subject to flexible-use service rules.

(2) Spectrum described

The spectrum described in this paragraph is the following:

(A) The frequencies between 1915 megahertz and 1920 megahertz.

(B) The frequencies between 1995 megahertz and 2000 megahertz.

(C) The frequencies described in subsection (a)(2).

(D) The frequencies between 2155 megahertz and 2180 megahertz.

(E) Fifteen megahertz of contiguous spectrum to be identified by the Commission.

(3) Proceeds to cover 110 percent of Federal relocation or sharing costs

Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to relieve the Commission from the requirements of section 309(j)(16)(B) of this title.

(4) Determination by Commission

If the Commission determines that the band of frequencies described in paragraph (2)(A) or the band of frequencies described in paragraph (2)(B) cannot be used without causing harmful interference to commercial mobile service licensees in the frequencies between 1930 megahertz and 1995 megahertz, the Commission may not—

(A) allocate such band for commercial use under paragraph (1)(A); or

(B) grant licenses under paragraph (1)(B) for the use of such band.

(c) Omitted

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6401, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 222.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of section 6401 of Pub. L. 112–96. Subsec. (c) of section 6401 of Pub. L. 112–96 amended section 309 of this title.

§1452. Special requirements for incentive auction of broadcast TV spectrum

(a) Reverse auction to identify incentive amount

(1) In general

The Commission shall conduct a reverse auction to determine the amount of compensation that each broadcast television licensee would accept in return for voluntarily relinquishing some or all of its broadcast television spectrum usage rights in order to make spectrum available for assignment through a system of competitive bidding under subparagraph (G) of section 309(j)(8) of this title.

(2) Eligible relinquishments

A relinquishment of usage rights for purposes of paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) Relinquishing all usage rights with respect to a particular television channel without receiving in return any usage rights with respect to another television channel.

(B) Relinquishing all usage rights with respect to an ultra high frequency television channel in return for receiving usage rights with respect to a very high frequency television channel.

(C) Relinquishing usage rights in order to share a television channel with another licensee.

(3) Confidentiality

The Commission shall take all reasonable steps necessary to protect the confidentiality of Commission-held data of a licensee participating in the reverse auction under paragraph (1), including withholding the identity of such licensee until the reassignments and reallocations (if any) under subsection (b)(1)(B) become effective, as described in subsection (f)(2).

(4) Protection of carriage rights of licensees sharing a channel

A broadcast television station that voluntarily relinquishes spectrum usage rights under this subsection in order to share a television channel and that possessed carriage rights under section 338, 534, or 535 of this title on November 30, 2010, shall have, at its shared location, the carriage rights under such section that would apply to such station at such location if it were not sharing a channel.

(b) Reorganization of broadcast TV spectrum

(1) In general

For purposes of making available spectrum to carry out the forward auction under subsection (c)(1), the Commission—

(A) shall evaluate the broadcast television spectrum (including spectrum made available through the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1)); and

(B) may, subject to international coordination along the border with Mexico and Canada—

(i) make such reassignments of television channels as the Commission considers appropriate; and

(ii) reallocate such portions of such spectrum as the Commission determines are available for reallocation.

(2) Factors for consideration

In making any reassignments or reallocations under paragraph (1)(B), the Commission shall make all reasonable efforts to preserve, as of February 22, 2012, the coverage area and population served of each broadcast television licensee, as determined using the methodology described in OET Bulletin 69 of the Office of Engineering and Technology of the Commission.

(3) No involuntary relocation from UHF to VHF

In making any reassignments under paragraph (1)(B)(i), the Commission may not involuntarily reassign a broadcast television licensee—

(A) from an ultra high frequency television channel to a very high frequency television channel; or

(B) from a television channel between the frequencies from 174 megahertz to 216 megahertz to a television channel between the frequencies from 54 megahertz to 88 megahertz.

(4) Payment of relocation costs

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), from amounts made available under subsection (d)(2), the Commission shall reimburse costs reasonably incurred by—

(i) a broadcast television licensee that was reassigned under paragraph (1)(B)(i) from one ultra high frequency television channel to a different ultra high frequency television channel, from one very high frequency television channel to a different very high frequency television channel, or, in accordance with subsection (g)(1)(B), from a very high frequency television channel to an ultra high frequency television channel, in order for the licensee to relocate its television service from one channel to the other;

(ii) a multichannel video programming distributor in order to continue to carry the signal of a broadcast television licensee that—

(I) is described in clause (i);

(II) voluntarily relinquishes spectrum usage rights under subsection (a) with respect to an ultra high frequency television channel in return for receiving usage rights with respect to a very high frequency television channel; or

(III) voluntarily relinquishes spectrum usage rights under subsection (a) to share a television channel with another licensee; or

(iii) a channel 37 incumbent user, in order to relocate to other suitable spectrum, provided that all such users can be relocated and that the total relocation costs of such users do not exceed $300,000,000. For the purpose of this section, the spectrum made available through relocation of channel 37 incumbent users shall be deemed as spectrum reclaimed through a reverse auction under subsection (a).

(B) Regulatory relief

In lieu of reimbursement for relocation costs under subparagraph (A), a broadcast television licensee may accept, and the Commission may grant as it considers appropriate, a waiver of the service rules of the Commission to permit the licensee, subject to interference protections, to make flexible use of the spectrum assigned to the licensee to provide services other than broadcast television services. Such waiver shall only remain in effect while the licensee provides at least 1 broadcast television program stream on such spectrum at no charge to the public.

(C) Limitation

The Commission may not make reimbursements under subparagraph (A) for lost revenues.

(D) Deadline

The Commission shall make all reimbursements required by subparagraph (A) not later than the date that is 3 years after the completion of the forward auction under subsection (c)(1).

(5) Low-power television usage rights

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to alter the spectrum usage rights of low-power television stations.

(c) Forward auction

(1) Auction required

The Commission shall conduct a forward auction in which—

(A) the Commission assigns licenses for the use of the spectrum that the Commission reallocates under subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii); and

(B) the amount of the proceeds that the Commission shares under clause (i) of section 309(j)(8)(G) of this title with each licensee whose bid the Commission accepts in the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1) is not less than the amount of such bid.

(2) Minimum proceeds

(A) In general

If the amount of the proceeds from the forward auction under paragraph (1) is not greater than the sum described in subparagraph (B), no licenses shall be assigned through such forward auction, no reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B) shall become effective, and the Commission may not revoke any spectrum usage rights by reason of a bid that the Commission accepts in the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1).

(B) Sum described

The sum described in this subparagraph is the sum of—

(i) the total amount of compensation that the Commission must pay successful bidders in the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1);

(ii) the costs of conducting such forward auction that the salaries and expenses account of the Commission is required to retain under section 309(j)(8)(B) of this title; and

(iii) the estimated costs for which the Commission is required to make reimbursements under subsection (b)(4)(A).

(C) Administrative costs

The amount of the proceeds from the forward auction under paragraph (1) that the salaries and expenses account of the Commission is required to retain under section 309(j)(8)(B) of this title shall be sufficient to cover the costs incurred by the Commission in conducting the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1), conducting the evaluation of the broadcast television spectrum under subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(1), and making any reassignments or reallocations under subparagraph (B) of such subsection, in addition to the costs incurred by the Commission in conducting such forward auction.

(3) Factor for consideration

In conducting the forward auction under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider assigning licenses that cover geographic areas of a variety of different sizes.

(d) TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund

(1) Establishment

There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund.

(2) Payment of relocation costs

Any amounts borrowed under paragraph (3)(A) and any amounts in the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund that are not necessary for reimbursement of the general fund of the Treasury for such borrowed amounts shall be available to the Commission to make the payments required by subsection (b)(4)(A).

(3) Borrowing authority

(A) In general

Beginning on the date when any reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B) become effective, as provided in subsection (f)(2), and ending when $1,000,000,000 has been deposited in the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund, the Commission may borrow from the Treasury of the United States an amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000 to use toward the payments required by subsection (b)(4)(A).

(B) Reimbursement

The Commission shall reimburse the general fund of the Treasury, without interest, for any amounts borrowed under subparagraph (A) as funds are deposited into the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund.

(4) Transfer of unused funds

If any amounts remain in the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund after the date that is 3 years after the completion of the forward auction under subsection (c)(1), the Secretary of the Treasury shall—

(A) prior to the end of fiscal year 2022, transfer such amounts to the Public Safety Trust Fund established by section 1457(a)(1) of this title; and

(B) after the end of fiscal year 2022, transfer such amounts to the general fund of the Treasury, where such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

(e) Numerical limitation on auctions and reorganization

The Commission may not complete more than one reverse auction under subsection (a)(1) or more than one reorganization of the broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b).

(f) Timing

(1) Contemporaneous auctions and reorganization permitted

The Commission may conduct the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1), any reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B), and the forward auction under subsection (c)(1) on a contemporaneous basis.

(2) Effectiveness of reassignments and reallocations

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B) shall become effective until the completion of the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1) and the forward auction under subsection (c)(1), and, to the extent practicable, all such reassignments and reallocations shall become effective simultaneously.

(3) Deadline

The Commission may not conduct the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1) or the forward auction under subsection (c)(1) after the end of fiscal year 2022.

(4) Limit on discretion regarding auction timing

Section 309(j)(15)(A) of this title shall not apply in the case of an auction conducted under this section.

(g) Limitation on reorganization authority

(1) In general

During the period described in paragraph (2), the Commission may not—

(A) involuntarily modify the spectrum usage rights of a broadcast television licensee or reassign such a licensee to another television channel except—

(i) in accordance with this section; or

(ii) in the case of a violation by such licensee of the terms of its license or a specific provision of a statute administered by the Commission, or a regulation of the Commission promulgated under any such provision; or

(B) reassign a broadcast television licensee from a very high frequency television channel to an ultra high frequency television channel, unless—

(i) such a reassignment will not decrease the total amount of ultra high frequency spectrum made available for reallocation under this section; or

(ii) a request from such licensee for the reassignment was pending at the Commission on May 31, 2011.

(2) Period described

The period described in this paragraph is the period beginning on February 22, 2012, and ending on the earliest of—

(A) the first date when the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1), the reassignments and reallocations (if any) under subsection (b)(1)(B), and the forward auction under subsection (c)(1) have been completed;

(B) the date of a determination by the Commission that the amount of the proceeds from the forward auction under subsection (c)(1) is not greater than the sum described in subsection (c)(2)(B); or

(C) September 30, 2022.

(h) Protest right inapplicable

The right of a licensee to protest a proposed order of modification of its license under section 316 of this title shall not apply in the case of a modification made under this section.

(i) Commission authority

Nothing in subsection (b) shall be construed to—

(1) expand or contract the authority of the Commission, except as otherwise expressly provided; or

(2) prevent the implementation of the Commission's "White Spaces" Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 08–260, adopted November 4, 2008) in the spectrum that remains allocated for broadcast television use after the reorganization required by such subsection.

(j) Reserve source for payment of relocation costs

(1) Funding

There are hereby authorized to be appropriated, and appropriated, to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund established by subsection (d), out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated—

(A) for fiscal year 2018, $600,000,000, to remain available, notwithstanding subsection (d)(4), until not later than July 3, 2023, pursuant to this subsection; and

(B) for fiscal year 2019, $400,000,000, to remain available, notwithstanding subsection (d)(4), until not later than July 3, 2023, pursuant to this subsection.

(2) Availability of funds

(A) In general

If the Commission makes the certification described in subparagraph (B), amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) shall be available to the Commission to make—

(i) reimbursements pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i) or (b)(4)(A)(ii), including not more than $350,000,000 for this purpose from funds made available by paragraph (1)(A);

(ii) payments required by subsection (k), including not more than $150,000,000 for this purpose from funds made available by paragraph (1)(A);

(iii) payments required by subsection (l), including not more than $50,000,000 for this purpose from funds made available by paragraph (1)(A); and

(iv) payments solely for the purposes of consumer education relating to the reorganization of broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b), including $50,000,000 for this purpose from funds made available by paragraph (1)(A).

(B) Certification

The certification described in this subparagraph is a certification from the Commission to the Secretary of the Treasury that the funds available prior to March 23, 2018, in the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund are likely to be insufficient to reimburse reasonably incurred costs described in subsection (b)(4)(A)(i) or (b)(4)(A)(ii).

(C) Availability for payments after April 13, 2020

(i) For payments to broadcast television licensees and MVPDs

Notwithstanding subsection (b)(4)(D), the Commission may make payments pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i) or (b)(4)(A)(ii) from amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) after April 13, 2020, if, before making any such payments after such date, the Commission submits to Congress a certification that such payments are necessary to reimburse reasonably incurred costs described in such subsection.

(ii) For payments to television translator stations and low power television stations

Amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) shall not be available to the Commission to make payments required by subsection (k) after April 13, 2020, unless, before making any such payments after such date, the Commission submits to Congress a certification that such payments are necessary to reimburse costs reasonably incurred by a television translator station or low power television station (as such terms are defined in subsection (k)) on or after January 1, 2017, in order for such station to relocate its television service from one channel to another channel or otherwise modify its facility as a result of the reorganization of broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b).

(iii) For payments to FM broadcast stations

Amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) shall not be available to the Commission to make payments required by subsection (l) after April 13, 2020, unless, before making any such payments after such date, the Commission submits to Congress a certification that such payments are necessary to reimburse costs reasonably incurred by an FM broadcast station (as defined in subsection (l)) for facilities necessary for such station to reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the reorganization of broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b).

(3) Unused funds rescinded and deposited into the general fund of the treasury

(A) Rescission and deposit

If any unobligated amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) remain in the Fund after the date described in subparagraph (B), such amounts shall be rescinded and deposited into the general fund of the Treasury, where such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

(B) Date described

The date described in this subparagraph is the earlier of—

(i) the date of a certification by the Commission under subparagraph (C) that all reimbursements pursuant to subsections (b)(4)(A)(i) and (b)(4)(A)(ii) have been made and that all reimbursements pursuant to subsections (k) and (l) have been made; or

(ii) July 3, 2023.

(C) Certification

If all reimbursements pursuant to subsections (b)(4)(A)(i) and (b)(4)(A)(ii) and all reimbursements pursuant to subsections (k) and (l) have been made before July 3, 2023, the Commission shall submit to the Secretary of the Treasury a certification that all such reimbursements have been made.

(4) Administrative costs

The amount of auction proceeds that the salaries and expenses account of the Commission is required to retain under section 309(j)(8)(B) of this title, including from the proceeds of the forward auction under this section, shall be sufficient to cover the administrative costs incurred by the Commission in making any reimbursements out of the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund from amounts made available to that Fund by paragraph (1).

(k) Payment of relocation costs of television translator stations and low power television stations

(1) Payment required

From amounts made available under subsection (j)(2), the Commission shall reimburse costs reasonably incurred by a television translator station or low power television station on or after January 1, 2017, in order for such station to relocate its television service from one channel to another channel or otherwise modify its facility as a result of the reorganization of broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b). Only stations that are eligible to file and do file an application in the Commission's Special Displacement Window are eligible to seek reimbursement under this paragraph.

(2) Limitation

The Commission may not make reimbursements under paragraph (1) for lost revenues.

(3) Duplicative payments prohibited

In the case of a low power television station that has been accorded primary status as a Class A television licensee under section 73.6001(a) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations—

(A) if the licensee of such station has received reimbursement with respect to such station under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i) (including from amounts made available under subsection (j)(2)(A)(i)), or from any other source, such station may not receive reimbursement under paragraph (1); and

(B) if such station has received reimbursement under paragraph (1), the licensee of such station may not receive reimbursement with respect to such station under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i).

(4) Additional limitation

The Commission may not make reimbursement under paragraph (1) for costs incurred to resolve mutually exclusive applications, including costs incurred in any auction of available channels.

(5) Definitions

In this subsection:

(A) Low power television station

The term "low power television station" means a low power TV station (as defined in section 74.701 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations) that was licensed and transmitting for at least 9 of the 12 months prior to April 13, 2017. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the operation of analog and digital companion facilities may be combined.

(B) Television translator station

The term "television translator station" means a television broadcast translator station (as defined in section 74.701 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations) that was licensed and transmitting for at least 9 of the 12 months prior to April 13, 2017. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the operation of analog and digital companion facilities may be combined.

(l) Payment of Relocation Costs of FM Broadcast Stations

(1) Payment required

(A) In general

From amounts made available under subsection (j)(2), the Commission shall reimburse costs reasonably incurred by an FM broadcast station for facilities necessary for such station to reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the reorganization of broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b).

(B) Limitation

The Commission may not make reimbursements under subparagraph (A) for lost revenues.

(C) Duplicative payments prohibited

If an FM broadcast station has received a payment for interim facilities from the licensee of a television broadcast station that was reimbursed for such payment under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i) (including from amounts made available under subsection (j)(2)(A)(i)), or from any other source, such FM broadcast station may not receive any reimbursements under subparagraph (A).

(2) FM broadcast station defined

In this subsection, the term 'FM broadcast station' has the meaning given such term in section 73.310 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, and includes an FM translator, which has the meaning given the term "FM translator" in section 74.1201 of such title.

(m) Rulemaking

(1) In general

Not later than 1 year after March 23, 2018, the Commission shall complete a rulemaking to implement subsections (k) and (l).

(2) Matters for inclusion

The rulemaking completed under paragraph (1) shall include the development of lists of reasonable eligible costs to be reimbursed by the Commission pursuant to subsections (k) and (l), and procedures for the submission and review of cost estimates and other materials related to those costs consistent with the regulations developed by the Commission pursuant to subsection (b)(4).

(n) Rule of construction

(1) Nothing in subsections (j) through (m) shall alter the final transition phase completion date established by the Commission for full power and Class A television stations.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6403, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 225; Pub. L. 115–141, div. E, title V, §511, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 563.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsecs. (j) to (n). Pub. L. 115–141 added subsecs. (j) to (n).

§1453. Unlicensed use in the 5 GHZ band

(a) Modification of Commission regulations to allow certain unlicensed use

(1) In general

Subject to paragraph (2), not later than 1 year after February 22, 2012, the Commission shall begin a proceeding to modify part 15 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, to allow unlicensed U–NII devices to operate in the 5350–5470 MHz band.

(2) Required determinations

The Commission may make the modification described in paragraph (1) only if the Commission, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary, determines that—

(A) licensed users will be protected by technical solutions, including use of existing, modified, or new spectrum-sharing technologies and solutions, such as dynamic frequency selection; and

(B) the primary mission of Federal spectrum users in the 5350–5470 MHz band will not be compromised by the introduction of unlicensed devices.

(b) Study by NTIA

(1) In general

The Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Department of Defense and other impacted agencies, shall conduct a study evaluating known and proposed spectrum-sharing technologies and the risk to Federal users if unlicensed U–NII devices were allowed to operate in the 5350–5470 MHz band and in the 5850–5925 MHz band.

(2) Submission

The Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Commission and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate—

(A) not later than 8 months after February 22, 2012, a report on the portion of the study required by paragraph (1) with respect to the 5350–5470 MHz band; and

(B) not later than 18 months after February 22, 2012, a report on the portion of the study required by paragraph (1) with respect to the 5850–5925 MHz band.

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(1) 5350–5470 MHz band

The term "5350–5470 MHz band" means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 5350 megahertz to 5470 megahertz.

(2) 5850–5925 MHz band

The term "5850–5925 MHz band" means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 5850 megahertz to 5925 megahertz.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6406, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 231.)

§1454. Guard bands and unlicensed use

(a) In general

Nothing in subparagraph (G) of section 309(j)(8) of this title or in section 1452 of this title shall be construed to prevent the Commission from using relinquished or other spectrum to implement band plans with guard bands.

(b) Size of guard bands

Such guard bands shall be no larger than is technically reasonable to prevent harmful interference between licensed services outside the guard bands.

(c) Unlicensed use in guard bands

The Commission may permit the use of such guard bands for unlicensed use.

(d) Database

Unlicensed use shall rely on a database or subsequent methodology as determined by the Commission.

(e) Protections against harmful interference

The Commission may not permit any use of a guard band that the Commission determines would cause harmful interference to licensed services.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6407, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 231.)

§1455. Wireless facilities deployment

(a) Facility modifications

(1) In general

Notwithstanding section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–104) or any other provision of law, a State or local government may not deny, and shall approve, any eligible facilities request for a modification of an existing wireless tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station.

(2) Eligible facilities request

For purposes of this subsection, the term "eligible facilities request" means any request for modification of an existing wireless tower or base station that involves—

(A) collocation of new transmission equipment;

(B) removal of transmission equipment; or

(C) replacement of transmission equipment.

(3) Applicability of environmental laws

Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to relieve the Commission from the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act ¹ or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

(b) Federal easements, rights-of-way, and leases

(1) Grant

If an executive agency, a State, a political subdivision or agency of a State, or a person, firm, or organization applies for the grant of an easement, right-of-way, or lease to, in, over, or on a building or other property owned by the Federal Government for the right to install, construct, modify, or maintain a communications facility installation, the executive agency having control of the building or other property may grant to the applicant, on behalf of the Federal Government, subject to paragraph (3), an easement, right-of-way, or lease to perform such installation, construction, modification, or maintenance.

(2) Application

(A) In general

The Administrator of General Services shall develop a common form for applications for easements, rights-of-way, and leases under paragraph (1) for all executive agencies that, except as provided in subparagraph (B), shall be used by all executive agencies and applicants with respect to the buildings or other property of each such agency.

(B) Exception

The requirement under subparagraph (A) for an executive agency to use the common form developed by the Administrator of General Services shall not apply to an executive agency if the head of an executive agency notifies the Administrator that the executive agency uses a substantially similar application.

(3) Timely consideration of applications

(A) In general

Not later than 270 days after the date on which an executive agency receives a duly filed application for an easement, right-of-way, or lease under this subsection, the executive agency shall—

(i) grant or deny, on behalf of the Federal Government, the application; and

(ii) notify the applicant of the grant or denial.

(B) Explanation of denial

If an executive agency denies an application under subparagraph (A), the executive agency shall notify the applicant in writing, including a clear statement of the reasons for the denial.

(C) Applicability of environmental laws

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to relieve an executive agency of the requirements of division A of subtitle III of title 54 or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

(D) Point of contact

Upon receiving an application under subparagraph (A), an executive agency shall designate one or more appropriate individuals within the executive agency to act as a point of contact with the applicant.

(c) Master contracts for communications facility installation sitings

(1) In general

Notwithstanding section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–104; 110 Stat. 151) or any other provision of law, the Administrator of General Services shall—

(A) develop one or more master contracts that shall govern the placement of communications facility installations on buildings and other property owned by the Federal Government; and

(B) in developing the master contract or contracts, standardize the treatment of the placement of communications facility installations on building rooftops or facades, the placement of communications facility installations on rooftops or inside buildings, the technology used in connection with communications facility installations placed on Federal buildings and other property, and any other key issues the Administrator of General Services considers appropriate.

(2) Applicability

The master contract or contracts developed by the Administrator of General Services under paragraph (1) shall apply to all publicly accessible buildings and other property owned by the Federal Government, unless the Administrator of General Services decides that issues with respect to the siting of a communications facility installation on a specific building or other property warrant nonstandard treatment of such building or other property.

(3) Application

(A) In general

The Administrator of General Services shall develop a common form or set of forms for communications facility installation siting applications that, except as provided in subparagraph (B), shall be used by all executive agencies and applicants with respect to the buildings and other property of each such agency.

(B) Exception

The requirement under subparagraph (A) for an executive agency to use the common form or set of forms developed by the Administrator of General Services shall not apply to an executive agency if the head of the executive agency notifies the Administrator that the executive agency uses a substantially similar application.

(d) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Communications facility installation

The term "communications facility installation" includes—

(A) any infrastructure, including any transmitting device, tower, or support structure, and any equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or cabinets, associated with the licensed or permitted unlicensed wireless or wireline transmission of writings, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, and sounds of all kinds; and

(B) any antenna or apparatus that—

(i) is designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency;

(ii) is designed to be operated, or is operating, from a fixed location pursuant to authorization by the Federal Communications Commission or is using duly authorized devices that do not require individual licenses; and

(iii) is added to a tower, building, or other structure.

(2) Executive agency

The term "executive agency" has the meaning given such term in section 102 of title 40.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6409, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 232; Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title VI, §606(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1101.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (c)(1), is section 704 of Pub. L. 104–104, title VII, Feb. 8, 1996, 110 Stat. 151. Subsec. (a) of section 704 of Pub. L. 104–104 amended section 332 of this title. Subsec. (b) of section 704 of Pub. L. 104–104 is not classified to the Code. Subsec. (c) of section 704 of Pub. L. 104–104 is set out as a note under section 332 of this title.

The National Historic Preservation Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is Pub. L. 89–665, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 915, which was classified generally to subchapter II (§470 et seq.) of chapter 1A of Title 16, Conservation. The Act, except for section 1, was repealed and restated in division A (§300101 et seq.) of subtitle III of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs, by Pub. L. 113–287, §§3, 7, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3094, 3272. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of former sections of Title 16, see Disposition Table preceding section 100101 of Title 54.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3) and (b)(3)(C), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.

Amendments

2018—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 115–141 added subsecs. (b) to (d) and struck out former subsecs. (b) to (d) which related to Federal easements and rights-of-way, master contracts for wireless facility sitings, and definition of executive agency, respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Savings Provisions

Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title VI, §606(b), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1103, provided that: "An application for an easement, right-of-way, or lease that was made or granted under section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1455) before the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 23, 2018] shall continue, subject to that section as in effect on the day before such date of enactment."

Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title VI, §606(d), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1104, provided that:

"(1) Real property authorities.—Nothing in this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section], or the amendments made by this section, shall be construed as providing any executive agency with any new leasing or other real property authorities not existing prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 23, 2018].

"(2) Effect on other laws.—Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, and no actions taken pursuant to this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall impact a decision or determination by any executive agency to sell, dispose of, declare excess or surplus, lease, reuse, or redevelop any Federal real property pursuant to title 40, United States Code, the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–287) [40 U.S.C. 1303 note], or any other law governing real property activities of the Federal Government. No agreement entered into pursuant to this section, or the amendments made by this section, may obligate the Federal Government to hold, control, or otherwise retain or use real property that may otherwise be deemed as excess, surplus, or that could be otherwise sold, leased, or redeveloped."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§1456. System certification

Not later than 6 months after February 22, 2012, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall update and revise section 33.4 of OMB Circular A–11 to reflect the recommendations regarding such Circular made in the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee Incentive Subcommittee report, adopted January 11, 2011.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6411, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 234.)

§1457. Public Safety Trust Fund

(a) Establishment of Public Safety Trust Fund

(1) In general

There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Public Safety Trust Fund.

(2) Availability

Amounts deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund shall remain available through fiscal year 2022. Any amounts remaining in the Fund after the end of such fiscal year shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

(b) Use of Fund

As amounts are deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund, such amounts shall be used to make the following deposits or payments in the following order of priority:

(1) Repayment of amount borrowed for First Responder Network Authority

An amount not to exceed $2,000,000,000 shall be available to the NTIA to reimburse the general fund of the Treasury for any amounts borrowed under section 1427 of this title.

(2) State and Local Implementation Fund

$135,000,000 shall be deposited in the State and Local Implementation Fund established by section 1441 of this title.

(3) Buildout by First Responder Network Authority

$7,000,000,000, reduced by the amount borrowed under section 1427 of this title, shall be deposited in the Network Construction Fund established by section 1426 of this title.

(4) Public safety research

$100,000,000 shall be available to the Director of NIST to carry out section 1443 of this title.

(5) Deficit reduction

$20,400,000,000 shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amount shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

(6) 9–1–1, E9–1–1, and Next Generation 9–1–1 implementation grants

$115,000,000 shall be available to the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to carry out the grant program under section 942 of this title.

(7) Additional public safety research

$200,000,000 shall be available to the Director of NIST to carry out section 1443 of this title.

(8) Additional deficit reduction

Any remaining amounts deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

(c) Investment

Amounts in the Public Safety Trust Fund shall be invested in accordance with section 9702 of title 31, and any interest on, and proceeds from, any such investment shall be credited to, and become a part of, the Fund.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6413, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 235.)

SUBCHAPTER V—NEXT GENERATION 9–1–1 ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2012

§1471. Definitions

In this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) 9–1–1 services and E9–1–1 services

The terms "9–1–1 services" and "E9–1–1 services" shall have the meaning given those terms in section 942 of this title.

(2) Multi-line telephone system

The term "multi-line telephone system" or "MLTS" means a system comprised of common control units, telephone sets, control hardware and software and adjunct systems, including network and premises based systems, such as Centrex and VoIP, as well as PBX, Hybrid, and Key Telephone Systems (as classified by the Commission under part 68 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations), and includes systems owned or leased by governmental agencies and non-profit entities, as well as for profit businesses.

(3) Office

The term "Office" means the 9–1–1 Implementation Coordination Office established under section 942 of this title.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6502, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 237.)

§1472. Parity of protection for provision or use of Next Generation 9–1–1 services

(a) Immunity

A provider or user of Next Generation 9–1–1 services, a public safety answering point, and the officers, directors, employees, vendors, agents, and authorizing government entity (if any) of such provider, user, or public safety answering point, shall have immunity and protection from liability under Federal and State law to the extent provided in subsection (b) with respect to—

(1) the release of subscriber information related to emergency calls or emergency services;

(2) the use or provision of 9–1–1 services, E9–1–1 services, or Next Generation 9–1–1 services; and

(3) other matters related to 9–1–1 services, E9–1–1 services, or Next Generation 9–1–1 services.

(b) Scope of immunity and protection from liability

The scope and extent of the immunity and protection from liability afforded under subsection (a) shall be the same as that provided under section 615a of this title to wireless carriers, public safety answering points, and users of wireless 9–1–1 service (as defined in paragraphs (4), (3), and (6), respectively, of section 615b of this title ¹) with respect to such release, use, and other matters.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6506, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 242.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 615b of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original a reference to section 6 of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, Pub. L. 106–81, and was translated as if it had been a reference to section 7 of Pub. L. 106–81, which is classified to section 615b of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the renumbering of section 6 of Pub. L. 106–81 as section 7 by Pub. L. 110–283, title I, §101(1), July 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 2620. Pub. L. 110–283, title I, §101(3), July 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 2620 enacted a new section 6 of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 which is classified to section 215a–1 of this title, but that section does not contain definitions.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§1473. Commission proceeding on autodialing

(a) In general

Not later than 90 days after February 22, 2012, the Commission shall initiate a proceeding to create a specialized Do-Not-Call registry for public safety answering points.

(b) Features of the registry

The Commission shall issue regulations, after providing the public with notice and an opportunity to comment, that—

(1) permit verified public safety answering point administrators or managers to register the telephone numbers of all 9–1–1 trunks and other lines used for the provision of emergency services to the public or for communications between public safety agencies;

(2) provide a process for verifying, no less frequently than once every 7 years, that registered numbers should continue to appear upon the registry;

(3) provide a process for granting and tracking access to the registry by the operators of automatic dialing equipment;

(4) protect the list of registered numbers from disclosure or dissemination by parties granted access to the registry; and

(5) prohibit the use of automatic dialing or "robocall" equipment to establish contact with registered numbers.

(c) Enforcement

The Commission shall—

(1) establish monetary penalties for violations of the protective regulations established pursuant to subsection (b)(4) of not less than $100,000 per incident nor more than $1,000,000 per incident;

(2) establish monetary penalties for violations of the prohibition on automatically dialing registered numbers established pursuant to subsection (b)(5) of not less than $10,000 per call nor more than $100,000 per call; and

(3) provide for the imposition of fines under paragraphs (1) or (2) that vary depending upon whether the conduct leading to the violation was negligent, grossly negligent, reckless, or willful, and depending on whether the violation was a first or subsequent offence.

(Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, §6507, Feb. 22, 2012, 126 Stat. 243.)