Next Generation Telecommunications Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (7 Dec 2022): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 595.
What this bill does
S. 3014, the "Next Generation Telecommunications Act," would create a new advisory body called the Next Generation Telecommunications Council. The Council would include senior federal officials—such as the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, the FCC Chair, and the Director of the National Science Foundation—along with members appointed by Senate and House leaders. Its job would be to study how the federal government has handled past wireless deployments, including 5G, and to advise Congress on 6G and other advanced wireless technologies, such as artificial intelligence, satellite broadband, and open network architecture. The Council would be directed to produce a final report and strategy addressing spectrum access, supply chain security, workforce needs, digital equity for underserved and rural communities, and international cooperation, before terminating a set period after submitting that report.
The bill primarily affects federal policymaking processes rather than the public directly. It would shape how Congress and agencies like the Department of Commerce, FCC, and NSF coordinate on wireless technology policy, with input from telecommunications, cybersecurity, and national security experts appointed to the Council. Indirectly, its recommendations could influence future legislation or funding affecting telecom companies, spectrum users, and communities—particularly rural and underserved areas—seeking access to next-generation wireless services.
The bill was introduced in October 2021 and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee, which reported it favorably with amendments in March 2022. As of the latest action, it has not received a floor vote in either chamber. Under congressional rules, the bill would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President to become law; without further action, it would expire at the end of the congressional session.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Next Generation Telecommunications Act
This bill temporarily establishes the Next Generation Telecommunications Council to advise Congress on sixth generation (6G) and other advanced wireless communications technologies.
Appointed members of the council may not have financial or personal interests in matters related to the council's duties.
These duties include reviewing past actions related to advancing wireless communications deployment. Additionally, the council must develop a strategy with recommendations on how the federal government can support, for example, the adoption of 6G and other advanced wireless communications technologies and the promotion of international cooperation with respect to those technologies. In developing the strategy, the council must consider issues including access to electromagnetic spectrum resources, workforce needs to support 6G deployment, and network security and resiliency.
The council terminates 120 days after submitting a final report that contains the strategy. Within 60 days of receiving that report, the Department of Commerce must submit to Congress an assessment with comments on the report's findings and recommendations.
Timeline
7 Dec 2022
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 595.
Common questions
- What does S. 3014 do?
- S. 3014, the "Next Generation Telecommunications Act," would create a new advisory body called the Next Generation Telecommunications Council. The Council would include senior federal officials—such as the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, the FCC Chair, and the Director of the National Science Foundation—along with members appointed by Senate and House leaders. Its job would be to study how the federal government has handled past wireless deployments, including 5G, and to advise Congress on 6G and other advanced wireless technologies, such as artificial intelligence, satellite broadband, and open network architecture. The Council would be directed to produce a final report and strategy addressing spectrum access, supply chain security, workforce needs, digital equity for underserved and rural communities, and international cooperation, before terminating a set period after submitting that report. The bill primarily affects federal policymaking processes rather than the public directly. It would shape how Congress and agencies like the Department of Commerce, FCC, and NSF coordinate on wireless technology policy, with input from telecommunications, cybersecurity, and national security experts appointed to the Council. Indirectly, its recommendations could influence future legislation or funding affecting telecom companies, spectrum users, and communities—particularly rural and underserved areas—seeking access to next-generation wireless services. The bill was introduced in October 2021 and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee, which reported it favorably with amendments in March 2022. As of the latest action, it has not received a floor vote in either chamber. Under congressional rules, the bill would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President to become law; without further action, it would expire at the end of the congressional session.
- Has S. 3014 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3014. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3014?
- S. 3014 was sponsored by Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (D-NV), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3014?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 595. (7 Dec 2022).
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