H.R. 4855 — Introduced in House

I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4855 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 24, 2019Mr. Michael F. Doyle of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Johnson of Ohio, Ms. Matsui, and Mr. Gianforte) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for an auction of C–Band spectrum, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Clearing Broad Airwaves for New Deployment Act or the C–BAND Act. 2. Auction of C–Band spectrum Title III of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: V C–Band Spectrum 399L. Auction of C–Band spectrum Not later than September 30, 2022, the Commission shall— (1) clear and reallocate no less than 200 megahertz and no more than 300 megahertz of contiguous C–Band spectrum (reserving 20 megahertz as guard band)— (A) for the provision of broadband internet access service; and (B) in such a way that ensures that C–Band-dependent users— (i) receive equal or better service as before the implementation of this section; and (ii) receive such service continuously throughout the transition process; and (2) through a system of competitive bidding under section 309(j), assign licenses for the use of the spectrum reallocated under paragraph (1), except for the spectrum reserved as guard band. 399M. Definitions In this part: (1) C–Band-dependent user The term C–Band-dependent user means a person who— (A) is a licensee or registrant of an earth station receiving signals over C–Band spectrum; or (B) receives or distributes programming or services using C–Band spectrum. (2) C–Band spectrum The term C–Band spectrum means electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies of 3700 megahertz and 4200 megahertz, inclusive. (3) Clear The term clear means, with respect to C–Band spectrum, to make such spectrum available for reallocation and the assignment of licenses through a system of competitive bidding (or reservation as guard band) under section 399L. .