Congress Quietly Passed Major Telecom Bills — Here’s What Changed

Major telecom bills moved forward with little public attention. Learn what was passed and how it affects wireless infrastructure policy.

Wireless Infrastructure Legislation Passed During the 118th Congress

During the 118th Congress (2023–2024), lawmakers introduced a number of bills related to telecommunications infrastructure, spectrum allocation, and satellite deployment. Some public interest groups have expressed concern that certain provisions in these bills could expand wireless infrastructure and spectrum usage, which may increase overall environmental radiofrequency (RF) emissions.

As of January 2025, four relevant telecommunications-related bills have become law, and additional measures are under consideration in the 119th Congress.

Below is a summary of several enacted measures frequently cited in discussions about wireless expansion policy.

EXPLORE Act (H.R. 6492)

The EXPLORE Act includes provisions intended to improve connectivity on federal recreational lands. One component, the Connect Our Parks Act, addresses deployment processes for wireless facilities on certain federal lands.

You can review the full bill text here:
EXPLORE Act (H.R. 6492) on Congress.gov</a>

Supporters state the legislation aims to expand connectivity access in national parks and other public lands. Critics argue that streamlined deployment processes may lead to an increase in telecommunications infrastructure in federally managed areas.

Implementation decisions remain subject to existing federal land use policies and regulatory frameworks.

AWS Spectrum Provisions (Included in NDAA 2025)

Congress authorized the auction of additional spectrum in the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) bands. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees spectrum allocation and conducts auctions to commercial operators.

The spectrum provisions were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025:

National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2025)

You can also review how spectrum auctions work directly from the FCC:

FCC Spectrum Auctions Overview

Proponents argue that spectrum expansion supports broadband access, economic growth, and national security interests. Critics note that expanded commercial spectrum use may increase the number of wireless transmitters operating nationwide.

These provisions were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.

S.1648 – Satellite Deployment

S.1648 addresses aspects of satellite deployment and spectrum coordination.

The growth of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations has raised discussion among policymakers, researchers, and environmental groups regarding:

  • Orbital congestion
  • Long-term debris management
  • Regulatory oversight
  • Environmental review processes

Some advocacy organizations have called for additional environmental and safety assessments as satellite deployment increases. Others emphasize the role of satellite networks in expanding global communications access.

You can review S.1648 here:

S.1648 on Congress.gov

For broader context on satellite environmental discussions:

Scientific American: Burned-Up Satellites and Atmospheric Debris

5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement Act (S.2787)

This legislation restores the FCC’s authority to conduct spectrum auctions and release previously authorized frequencies to support 5G broadband deployment.

Full bill text:

S.2787 – 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement Act

For FCC regulatory background:

FCC Radio Frequency Safety Guidelines

Supporters argue that expanded 5G infrastructure strengthens communications networks and economic competitiveness. Critics express concern about the pace of deployment and call for updated regulatory review of long-standing RF exposure guidelines.

Regulatory Oversight and Public Debate

The FCC is the federal agency responsible for regulating interstate communications, including spectrum allocation and wireless infrastructure licensing. Current U.S. radiofrequency exposure limits are based on guidelines developed in consultation with federal health agencies and international scientific bodies.

Some public interest organizations have questioned whether existing regulatory frameworks sufficiently address emerging technologies. Others maintain that current exposure limits remain protective of public health based on available scientific consensus.

Debate continues among policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups regarding infrastructure expansion, regulatory authority, and environmental review processes.

For discussion regarding regulatory structure:

Harvard Ethics Center – “Captured Agency” Publication

Ongoing Discussion

Telecommunications infrastructure policy involves balancing:

  • Broadband access and connectivity
  • Economic development
  • National security considerations
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Public health research

Sources

  1. Washington Update: Recap of the 118th Congress (2023–2024)
  2. Connect Our Parks Act
  3. National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2025)
  4. FCC Spectrum Auction Authority Documentation
  5. Harvard University Ethics Department publication: Captured Agency
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