USC Subchapter I

USC Subchapter I
in effect

47 U.S.C. § 901 Definitions; findings; policy

(a) DefinitionsIn this chapter, the following definitions apply:(1) The term “NTIA” means the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (2) The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. (3) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce. (4) The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission. (5) The term “Corporation” means the Communications Satellite Corporation authorized in title III of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47 U.S.C. 731 et seq.). (b) FindingsThe Congress finds the following:(1) Telecommunications and information are vital to the public welfare, national security, and competitiveness of the United States. (2) Rapid technological advances being made in the telecommunications and information fields make it imperative that the United States maintain effective national and international policies and programs capable of taking advantage of continued advancements. (3) Telecommunications and information policies and recommendations advancing the strategic interests and the international competitiveness of the United States are essential aspects of the Nation’s involvement in international commerce. (4) There is a critical need for competent and effective telecommunications and information research and analysis and national and international policy development, advice, and advocacy by the executive branch of the Federal Government. (5) As one of the largest users of the Nation’s telecommunications facilities and resources, the Federal Government must manage its radio spectrum use and other internal communications operations in the most efficient and effective manner possible. (6) It is in the national interest to codify the authority of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency in the Department of Commerce, as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policies, and for carrying out the related functions it currently performs, as reflected in Executive Order 12046. (c) PolicyThe NTIA shall seek to advance the following policies:(1) Promoting the benefits of technological development in the United States for all users of telecommunications and information facilities. (2) Fostering national safety and security, economic prosperity, and the delivery of critical social services through telecommunications. (3) Facilitating and contributing to the full development of competition, efficiency, and the free flow of commerce in domestic and international telecommunications markets. (4) Fostering full and efficient use of telecommunications resources, including effective use of the radio spectrum by the Federal Government, in a manner which encourages the most beneficial uses thereof in the public interest. (5) Furthering scientific knowledge about telecommunications and information.

47 U.S.C. § 902 Establishment; assigned functions

(a) Establishment(1) AdministrationThere shall be within the Department of Commerce an administration to be known as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (2) Head of administrationThe head of the NTIA shall be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (b) Assigned functions(1) In generalSubject to section 904(d) of this title, the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretary and the NTIA responsibility for the performance of the Secretary’s communications and information functions. (2) Communications and information functionsSubject to section 904(d) of this title, the functions to be assigned by the Secretary under paragraph (1) include (but are not limited to) the following functions transferred to the Secretary by Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 1977 and Executive Order 12046:(A) The authority delegated by the President to the Secretary to assign frequencies to radio stations or classes of radio stations belonging to and operated by the United States, including the authority to amend, modify, or revoke such assignments, but not including the authority to make final disposition of appeals from frequency assignments. (B) The authority to authorize a foreign government to construct and operate a radio station at the seat of Government of the United States, but only upon recommendation of the Secretary of State and after consultation with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Commission. (C) Functions relating to the communications satellite system, including authority vested in the President by section 201(a) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47 U.S.C. 721(a)) and delegated to the Secretary under Executive Order 12046, to—(i) aid in the planning and development of the commercial communications satellite system and the execution of a national program for the operation of such a system; (ii) conduct a continuous review of all phases of the development and operation of such system, including the activities of the Corporation; (iii) coordinate, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the activities of governmental agencies with responsibilities in the field of telecommunications, so as to ensure that there is full and effective compliance at all times with the policies set forth in the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 [47 U.S.C. 701 et seq.]; (iv) make recommendations to the President and others as appropriate, with respect to steps necessary to ensure the availability and appropriate utilization of the communications satellite system for general governmental purposes in consonance with section 201(a)(6) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47 U.S.C. 721(a)(6)); 11 See References in Text note below. (v) help attain coordinated and efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum and the technical compatibility of the communications satellite system with existing communications facilities both in the United States and abroad; (vi) assist in the preparation of Presidential action documents for consideration by the President as may be appropriate under section 201(a) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47 U.S.C. 721(a)), make necessary recommendations to the President in connection therewith, and keep the President informed with respect to the carrying out of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 [47 U.S.C. 701 et seq.]; and (vii) serve as the chief point of liaison between the President and the Corporation. (D) The authority to serve as the President’s principal adviser on telecommunications policies pertaining to the Nation’s economic and technological advancement and to the regulation of the telecommunications industry. (E) The authority to advise the Director of the Office of Management and Budget on the development of policies relating to the procurement and management of Federal telecommunications systems. (F) The authority to conduct studies and evaluations concerning telecommunications research and development and concerning the initiation, improvement, expansion, testing, operation, and use of Federal telecommunications systems and advising agencies of the results of such studies and evaluations. (G) Functions which involve—(i) developing and setting forth, in coordination with the Secretary of State and other interested agencies, plans, policies, and programs which relate to international telecommunications issues, conferences, and negotiations; (ii) coordinating economic, technical, operational, and related preparations for United States participation in international telecommunications conferences and negotiations; and (iii) providing advice and assistance to the Secretary of State on international telecommunications policies to strengthen the position and serve the best interests of the United States in support of the Secretary of State’s responsibility for the conduct of foreign affairs. (H) The authority to provide for the coordination of the telecommunications activities of the executive branch and assist in the formulation of policies and standards for those activities, including (but not limited to) considerations of interoperability, privacy, security, spectrum use, and emergency readiness. (I) The authority to develop and set forth telecommunications policies pertaining to the Nation’s economic and technological advancement and to the regulation of the telecommunications industry. (J) The responsibility to ensure that the views of the executive branch on telecommunications matters are effectively presented to the Commission and, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to the Congress. (K) The authority to establish policies concerning spectrum assignments and use by radio stations belonging to and operated by the United States. (L) Functions which involve—(i) developing, in cooperation with the Commission, a comprehensive long-range plan for improved management of all electromagnetic spectrum resources; (ii) performing analysis, engineering, and administrative functions, including the maintenance of necessary files and data bases, as necessary for the performance of assigned functions for the management of electromagnetic spectrum resources; (iii) conducting research and analysis of electromagnetic propagation, radio systems characteristics, and operating techniques affecting the utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum in coordination with specialized, related research and analysis performed by other Federal agencies in their areas of responsibility; and (iv) conducting research and analysis in the general field of telecommunications sciences in support of assigned functions and in support of other Government agencies. (M) The authority to conduct studies and make recommendations concerning the impact of the convergence of computer and communications technology. (N) The authority to coordinate Federal telecommunications assistance to State and local governments. (O) The authority to conduct and coordinate economic and technical analyses of telecommunications policies, activities, and opportunities in support of assigned functions. (P) The authority to contract for studies and reports relating to any aspect of assigned functions. (Q) The authority to participate, as appropriate, in evaluating the capability of telecommunications resources, in recommending remedial actions, and in developing policy options. (R) The authority to participate with the National Security Council and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy as they carry out their responsibilities under sections 4–1, 4–2, and 4–3 of Executive Order 12046, with respect to emergency functions, the national communication system, and telecommunications planning functions. (S) The authority to establish coordinating committees pursuant to section 10 of Executive Order 11556. (T) The authority to establish, as permitted by law, such interagency committees and working groups composed of representatives of interested agencies and consulting with such departments and agencies as may be necessary for the effective performance of assigned functions. (U) The responsibility to promote the best possible and most efficient use of electromagnetic spectrum resources across the Federal Government, subject to and consistent with the needs and missions of Federal agencies. (3) Additional communications and information functionsIn addition to the functions described in paragraph (2), the Secretary under paragraph (1)—(A) may assign to the NTIA the performance of functions under section 504(a) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47 U.S.C. 753(a)); (B) shall assign to the NTIA the administration of the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program under sections 390 through 393 of this title, and the National Endowment for Children’s Educational Television under section 394 of this title; and (C) shall assign to the NTIA responsibility for providing for the establishment, and overseeing operation, of a second-level Internet domain within the United States country code domain in accordance with section 941 of this title.

47 U.S.C. § 903 Spectrum management activities

(a) Revision of regulationsWithin 180 days after October 27, 1992, the Secretary of Commerce and the NTIA shall amend the Department of Commerce spectrum management document entitled “Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management” to improve Federal spectrum management activities and shall publish in the Federal Register any changes in the regulations in such document. (b) Requirements for revisionsThe amendments required by subsection (a) shall—(1) provide for a period at the beginning of each meeting of the Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee to be open to the public to make presentations and receive advice, and provide the public with other meaningful opportunities to make presentations and receive advice; (2) include provisions that will require (A) publication in the Federal Register of major policy proposals that are not classified and that involve spectrum management, and (B) adequate opportunity for public review and comment on those proposals; (3) include provisions that will require publication in the Federal Register of major policy decisions that are not classified and that involve spectrum management; (4) include provisions that will require that nonclassified spectrum management information be made available to the public, including access to electronic databases; and (5) establish procedures that provide for the prompt and impartial consideration of requests for access to Government spectrum by the public, which procedures shall include provisions that will require the disclosure of the status and ultimate disposition of any such request. (c) Certification to CongressNot later than 180 days after October 27, 1992, the Secretary of Commerce shall certify to Congress that the Secretary has complied with this section. (d) Radio services(1) Assignments for radio servicesIn assigning frequencies for mobile radio services and other radio services, the Secretary of Commerce shall promote efficient and cost-effective use of the spectrum to the maximum extent feasible. (2) Authority to withhold assignmentsThe Secretary of Commerce shall have the authority to withhold or refuse to assign frequencies for mobile radio service or other radio service in order to further the goal of making efficient and cost-effective use of the spectrum. (3) Spectrum planBy October 1, 1993, the Secretary of Commerce shall adopt and commence implementation of a plan for Federal agencies with existing mobile radio systems to use more spectrum-efficient technologies that are at least as spectrum-efficient and cost-effective as readily available commercial mobile radio systems. The plan shall include a time schedule for implementation. (4) Report to CongressBy October 1, 1993, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the plan adopted under paragraph (3), including the implementation schedule for the plan. (e) Proof of compliance with FCC licensing requirements(1) Amendment to manual requiredWithin 90 days after August 10, 1993, the Secretary and the NTIA shall amend the spectrum management document described in subsection (a) to require that—(A) no person or entity (other than an agency or instrumentality of the United States) shall be permitted, after 1 year after August 10, 1993, to operate a radio station utilizing a frequency that is authorized for the use of government stations pursuant to section 902(b)(2)(A) of this title for any non-government application unless such person or entity has submitted to the NTIA proof, in a form prescribed by such manual, that such person or entity has obtained a license from the Commission; and (B) no person or entity (other than an agency or instrumentality of the United States) shall be permitted, after 1 year after August 10, 1993, to utilize a radio station belonging to the United States for any non-government application unless such person or entity has submitted to the NTIA proof, in a form prescribed by such manual, that such person or entity has obtained a license from the Commission. (2) Retention of formsThe NTIA shall maintain on file the proofs submitted under paragraph (1), or facsimiles thereof. (3) CertificationWithin 1 year after August 10, 1993, the Secretary and the NTIA shall certify to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate that—(A) the amendments required by paragraph (1) have been accomplished; and (B) the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such paragraph are being enforced.

47 U.S.C. § 904 General administrative provisions

(a) Interagency functions(1) Agency consultationFederal agencies shall consult with the Assistant Secretary and the NTIA to ensure that the conduct of telecommunications activities by such agencies is consistent with the policies developed under section 902(b)(2)(K) of this title. (2) Report to PresidentThe Secretary shall timely submit to the President each year the report (including evaluations and recommendations) provided for in section 744(a) 11 See References in Text note below. of this title. (3) Coordination with Secretary of StateThe Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of State the performance of the functions described in section 902(b)(2)(C) of this title. The Corporation and concerned executive agencies shall provide the Secretary with such assistance, documents, and other cooperation as will enable the Secretary to carry out those functions. (b) Advisory committees and informal consultations with industryTo the extent the Assistant Secretary deems it necessary to continue the Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee, such Committee shall serve as an advisory committee to the Assistant Secretary and the NTIA. As permitted by law, the Assistant Secretary may establish one or more telecommunications or information advisory committees (or both) composed of experts in the telecommunications and/or information areas outside the Government. The NTIA may also informally consult with industry as appropriate to carry out the most effective performance of its functions. (c) General provisions(1) RegulationsThe Secretary and NTIA shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the functions assigned under this chapter. (2) Support and assistance from other agenciesAll executive agencies are authorized and directed to cooperate with the NTIA and to furnish it with such information, support, and assistance, not inconsistent with law, as it may require in the performance of its functions. (3) Effect on vested functionsNothing in this chapter reassigns any function that is, on October 27, 1992, vested by law or executive order in the Commission, or the Department of State, or any officer thereof. (d) Reorganization(1) Authority to reorganizeSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may reassign to another unit of the Department of Commerce a function (or portion thereof) required to be assigned to the NTIA by section 902(b) of this title. (2) Limitation on authorityThe Secretary may not make any reassignment of a function (or portion thereof) required to be assigned to the NTIA by section 902(b) of this title unless the Secretary submits to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a statement describing the proposed reassignment and containing an explanation of the reasons for the reassignment. No reassignment of any such function (or portion thereof) shall be effective until 90 legislative days after the Secretary submits that statement to such Committees. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “legislative days” includes only days on which both Houses of Congress are in session. (e) Limitation on solicitationsNotwithstanding section 1522 of title 15, neither the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, nor any officer or employee of the NTIA shall solicit any gift or bequest of property, both real and personal, from any entity for the purpose of furthering the authorized functions of the NTIA if such solicitation would create a conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest.

47 U.S.C. § 906 Wireless supply chain innovation and multilateral security

(a) Communications technology security funds(1) Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund(A) Establishment(i) In generalThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the “Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund” (referred to in this paragraph as the “Innovation Fund”). (ii) Availability(I) In generalAmounts appropriated to the Innovation Fund shall remain available through the end of the tenth fiscal year beginning after the date on which funds are appropriated to the Fund. (II) Remainder to TreasuryAny amounts remaining in the Innovation Fund after the end of the tenth fiscal year beginning after the date of appropriation shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. (B) Use of Fund(i) In generalAmounts appropriated to the Innovation Fund shall be available to the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, to make grants on a competitive basis under this paragraph in such amounts as the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, determines appropriate, subject to clause (ii). (ii) Limitation on grant amountsThe amount of a grant awarded under this paragraph to a recipient for a specific research focus area may not exceed $50,000,000. (C) Administration of FundThe Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, in consultation with the Commission, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, shall establish criteria for grants awarded under this paragraph, by the NTIA Administrator and administer the Innovation Fund, to support the following:(i) Promoting and deploying technology, including software, hardware, and microprocessing technology, that will enhance competitiveness in the fifth-generation (commonly known as “5G”) and successor wireless technology supply chains that use open and interoperable interface radio access networks. (ii) Accelerating commercial deployments of open interface standards-based compatible, interoperable equipment, such as equipment developed pursuant to the standards set forth by organizations such as the O-RAN Alliance, the Telecom Infra Project, 3GPP, the Open-RAN Software Community, or any successor organizations. (iii) Promoting and deploying compatibility of new 5G equipment with future open standards-based, interoperable equipment. (iv) Managing integration of multi-vendor network environments. (v) Identifying objective criteria to define equipment as compliant with open standards for multi-vendor network equipment interoperability. (vi) Promoting and deploying security features enhancing the integrity and availability of equipment in multi-vendor networks. (vii) Promoting and deploying network function virtualization to facilitate multi-vendor interoperability and a more diverse vendor market. (D) NonduplicationTo the greatest extent practicable, the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, shall ensure that any research funded by a grant awarded under this paragraph avoids duplication of other Federal or private sector research. (E) TimingNot later than one year after the date on which funds are appropriated to the Innovation Fund, the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, shall begin awarding grants under this paragraph. (F) Federal advisory body(i) EstablishmentThe Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, and in consultation with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, shall establish a Federal advisory committee, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.),11 See References in Text note below. composed of government and private sector experts, to advise the Secretary and the NTIA Administrator on the administration of the Innovation Fund. (ii) CompositionThe advisory committee established under clause (i) shall be composed of—(I) representatives from—(aa) the Commission; (bb) the Department of Defense; (cc) the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (dd) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (ee) the Department of State; (ff) the National Science Foundation; (gg) the Department of Homeland Security; and (hh) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; and (II) other representatives from the private and public sectors, at the discretion of the NTIA Administrator. (iii) DutiesThe advisory committee established under clause (i) shall advise the Secretary and the NTIA Administrator on technology developments to help inform—(I) the strategic direction of the Innovation Fund; and (II) efforts of the Federal Government to promote a more secure, diverse, sustainable, and competitive supply chain. (G) Reports to Congress(i) Initial reportNot later than 180 days after January 1, 2021, the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report with—(I) additional recommendations on promoting the competitiveness and sustainability of trusted suppliers in the wireless supply chain; and (II) any additional authorities needed to facilitate the timely adoption of open standards-based equipment, including authority to provide loans, loan guarantees, and other forms of credit extension that would maximize the use of funds. (ii) Annual reportFor each fiscal year for which amounts in the Innovation Fund are available under this paragraph, the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, shall submit to Congress a report that—(I) describes how, and to whom (including whether recipients are majority owned and controlled by minority individuals and majority owned and controlled by women), amounts in the Innovation Fund have been deployed; (II) details the progress of the Secretary and the NTIA Administrator in meeting the objectives described in subparagraph (C); and (III) includes any additional information that the Secretary and the NTIA Administrator determine appropriate. (2) Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund(A) Establishment of Fund(i) In generalThere is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the “Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund”. (ii) Use of FundAmounts appropriated to the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund shall be available to the Secretary of State to make expenditures under this paragraph in such amounts as the Secretary of State determines appropriate. (iii) Availability(I) In generalAmounts appropriated to the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund—(aa) shall remain available through the end of the tenth fiscal year beginning after the date of appropriation; and (bb) may only be allocated upon the Secretary of State reaching an arrangement or agreement with foreign government partners to participate in the common funding mechanism described in subparagraph (B). (II) Remainder to TreasuryAny amounts remaining in the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund after the end of the tenth fiscal year beginning after January 1, 2021 shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. (B) Administration of FundThe Secretary of State, in consultation with the NTIA Administrator, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Commission, is authorized to establish a common funding mechanism, in coordination with foreign partners, that uses amounts from the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund to support the development and adoption of secure and trusted telecommunications technologies. In creating and sustaining a common funding mechanism, the Secretary of State should leverage United States funding in order to secure commitments and contributions from trusted foreign partners such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, and should prioritize the following objectives:(i) Advancing research and development of secure and trusted communications technologies. (ii) Strengthening supply chains. (iii) Promoting the use of trusted vendors. (C) Notifications to be provided by the Fund(i) In generalNot later than 15 days prior to the Fund making a financial commitment associated with the provision of expenditures under subparagraph (A)(ii) in an amount in excess of $1,000,000, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report in writing that contains the information required by clause (ii). (ii) Information requiredThe information required by this clause includes—(I) the amount of each such expenditure; (II) an identification of the recipient or beneficiary; and (III) a description of the project or activity and the purpose to be achieved of an expenditure by the Fund. (iii) Arrangements or agreementsThe Secretary of State shall notify the appropriate congressional committees not later than 30 days after entering into a new bilateral or multilateral arrangement or agreement described in subparagraph (A)(iii)(I)(bb). (iv) Appropriate congressional committees definedIn this subparagraph, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—(I) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; (II) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; (III) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and (IV) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (b) Promoting United States leadership in international organizations and communications standards-setting bodies(1) In generalThe Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Chairman of the Commission, or their designees, shall consider how to enhance representation of the United States at international forums that set standards for 5G networks and for future generations of wireless communications networks, including—(A) the International Telecommunication Union (commonly known as “ITU”); (B) the International Organization for Standardization (commonly known as “ISO”); (C) the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (commonly known as “CITEL”); and (D) the voluntary standards organizations that develop protocols for wireless devices and other equipment, such as the 3GPP and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (commonly known as “IEEE”). (2) Annual reportThe Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Chairman of the Commission shall jointly submit to the relevant committees of Congress an annual report on the progress made under paragraph (1). (c) Definitions In this section:(1) The term “3GPP” means the Third Generation Partnership Project. (2) The term “5G network” means a radio network as described by 3GPP Release 15 or higher. (3) The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission. (4) The term “NTIA Administrator” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. (5) The term “Open-RAN” means the Open Radio Access Network approach to standardization adopted by the O-RAN Alliance, Telecom Infra Project, or 3GPP, or any similar set of open standards for multi-vendor network equipment interoperability. (6) The term “relevant committees of Congress” means—(A) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; (D) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (E) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (F) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; (G) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; (H) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; (I) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; (J) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; (K) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and (L) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (7) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce.

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