<section xmlns="http://xml.house.gov/schemas/uslm/1.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" style="-uslm-lc:I80" id="id0ec1c591-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309"><num value="309">§ 309.</num><heading> Application for license</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec1c592-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/a"><num value="a" class="bold">(a)</num><heading class="bold"> Considerations in granting application</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">Subject to the provisions of this section, the Commission shall determine, in the case of each application filed with it to which <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308">section 308 of this title</ref> applies, whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity will be served by the granting of such application, and, if the Commission, upon examination of such application and upon consideration of such other matters as the Commission may officially notice, shall find that public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the granting thereof, it shall grant such application.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec1eca3-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b"><num value="b" class="bold">(b)</num><heading class="bold"> Time of granting application</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, no such application—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec1eca4-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><content> for an instrument of authorization in the case of a station in the broadcasting or common carrier services, or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec1eca5-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><chapeau> for an instrument of authorization in the case of a station in any of the following categories:</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec1eca6-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/2/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> industrial radio positioning stations for which frequencies are assigned on an exclusive basis,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec1eca7-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/2/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> aeronautical en route stations,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec1eca8-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/2/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> aeronautical advisory stations,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec1eca9-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/2/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> airdrome control stations,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec1ecaa-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/2/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><content> aeronautical fixed stations, and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec1ecab-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/b/2/F"><num value="F">(F)</num><content> such other stations or classes of stations, not in the broadcasting or common carrier services, as the Commission shall by rule prescribe,</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>

<continuation style="-uslm-lc:I10" class="indent0 firstIndent0">shall be granted by the Commission earlier than thirty days following issuance of public notice by the Commission of the acceptance for filing of such application or of any substantial amendment thereof.</continuation>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec1ecac-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c"><num value="c" class="bold">(c)</num><heading class="bold"> Applications not affected by subsection (b)</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">Subsection (b) of this section shall not apply—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec1ecad-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><content> to any minor amendment of an application to which such subsection is applicable, or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec213be-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><chapeau> to any application for—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213bf-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> a minor change in the facilities of an authorized station,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213c0-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> consent to an involuntary assignment or transfer under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s310/b">section 310(b) of this title</ref> or to an assignment or transfer thereunder which does not involve a substantial change in ownership or control,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213c1-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> a license under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s319/c">section 319(c) of this title</ref> or, pending application for or grant of such license, any special or temporary authorization to permit interim operation to facilitate completion of authorized construction or to provide substantially the same service as would be authorized by such license,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213c2-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> extension of time to complete construction of authorized facilities,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213c3-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><content> an authorization of facilities for remote pickups, studio links and similar facilities for use in the operation of a broadcast station,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213c4-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/F"><num value="F">(F)</num><content> authorizations pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s325/c">section 325(c) of this title</ref> where the programs to be transmitted are special events not of a continuing nature,</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213c5-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/G"><num value="G">(G)</num><content> a special temporary authorization for nonbroadcast operation not to exceed thirty days where no application for regular operation is contemplated to be filed or not to exceed sixty days pending the filing of an application for such regular operation, or</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec213c6-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/c/2/H"><num value="H">(H)</num><content> an authorization under any of the proviso clauses of <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308/a">section 308(a) of this title</ref>.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec23ad7-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/d"><num value="d" class="bold">(d)</num><heading class="bold"> Petition to deny application; time; contents; reply; findings</heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec23ad8-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/d/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><content> Any party in interest may file with the Commission a petition to deny any application (whether as originally filed or as amended) to which subsection (b) of this section applies at any time prior to the day of Commission grant thereof without hearing or the day of formal designation thereof for hearing; except that with respect to any classification of applications, the Commission from time to time by rule may specify a shorter period (no less than thirty days following the issuance of public notice by the Commission of the acceptance for filing of such application or of any substantial amendment thereof), which shorter period shall be reasonably related to the time when the applications would normally be reached for processing. The petitioner shall serve a copy of such petition on the applicant. The petition shall contain specific allegations of fact sufficient to show that the petitioner is a party in interest and that a grant of the application would be prima facie inconsistent with subsection (a) (or subsection (k) in the case of renewal of any broadcast station license). Such allegations of fact shall, except for those of which official notice may be taken, be supported by affidavit of a person or persons with personal knowledge thereof. The applicant shall be given the opportunity to file a reply in which allegations of fact or denials thereof shall similarly be supported by affidavit.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec23ad9-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/d/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><content> If the Commission finds on the basis of the application, the pleadings filed, or other matters which it may officially notice that there are no substantial and material questions of fact and that a grant of the application would be consistent with subsection (a) (or subsection (k) in the case of renewal of any broadcast station license), it shall make the grant, deny the petition, and issue a concise statement of the reasons for denying the petition, which statement shall dispose of all substantial issues raised by the petition. If a substantial and material question of fact is presented or if the Commission for any reason is unable to find that grant of the application would be consistent with subsection (a) (or subsection (k) in the case of renewal of any broadcast station license), it shall proceed as provided in subsection (e).</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec261ea-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/e"><num value="e" class="bold">(e)</num><heading class="bold"> Hearings; intervention; evidence; burden of proof</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">If, in the case of any application to which subsection (a) of this section applies, a substantial and material question of fact is presented or the Commission for any reason is unable to make the finding specified in such subsection, it shall formally designate the application for hearing on the ground or reasons then obtaining and shall forthwith notify the applicant and all other known parties in interest of such action and the grounds and reasons therefor, specifying with particularity the matters and things in issue but not including issues or requirements phrased generally. When the Commission has so designated an application for hearing the parties in interest, if any, who are not notified by the Commission of such action may acquire the status of a party to the proceeding thereon by filing a petition for intervention showing the basis for their interest not more than thirty days after publication of the hearing issues or any substantial amendment thereto in the Federal Register. Any hearing subsequently held upon such application shall be a full hearing in which the applicant and all other parties in interest shall be permitted to participate. The burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence and the burden of proof shall be upon the applicant, except that with respect to any issue presented by a petition to deny or a petition to enlarge the issues, such burdens shall be as determined by the Commission.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec288fb-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/f"><num value="f" class="bold">(f)</num><heading class="bold"> Temporary authorization of temporary operations under subsection (b)</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">When an application subject to subsection (b) has been filed, the Commission, notwithstanding the requirements of such subsection, may, if the grant of such application is otherwise authorized by law and if it finds that there are extraordinary circumstances requiring temporary operations in the public interest and that delay in the institution of such temporary operations would seriously prejudice the public interest, grant a temporary authorization, accompanied by a statement of its reasons therefor, to permit such temporary operations for a period not exceeding 180 days, and upon making like findings may extend such temporary authorization for additional periods not to exceed 180 days. When any such grant of a temporary authorization is made, the Commission shall give expeditious treatment to any timely filed petition to deny such application and to any petition for rehearing of such grant filed under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s405">section 405 of this title</ref>.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec288fc-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/g"><num value="g" class="bold">(g)</num><heading class="bold"> Classification of applications</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">The Commission is authorized to adopt reasonable classifications of applications and amendments in order to effectuate the purposes of this section.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec288fd-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/h"><num value="h" class="bold">(h)</num><heading class="bold"> Form and conditions of station licenses</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">Such station licenses as the Commission may grant shall be in such general form as it may prescribe, but each license shall contain, in addition to other provisions, a statement of the following conditions to which such license shall be subject: (1) The station license shall not vest in the licensee any right to operate the station nor any right in the use of the frequencies designated in the license beyond the term thereof nor in any other manner than authorized therein; (2) neither the license nor the right granted thereunder shall be assigned or otherwise transferred in violation of this chapter; (3) every license issued under this chapter shall be subject in terms to the right of use or control conferred by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s606">section 606 of this title</ref>.</p>
</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec2b00e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i"><num value="i" class="bold">(i)</num><heading class="bold"> Random selection</heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2b00f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">General authority</inline>.—</heading><content>Except as provided in paragraph (5), if there is more than one application for any initial license or construction permit, then the Commission shall have the authority to grant such license or permit to a qualified applicant through the use of a system of random selection.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2b010-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><chapeau> No license or construction permit shall be granted to an applicant selected pursuant to paragraph (1) unless the Commission determines the qualifications of such applicant pursuant to subsection (a) and <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308/b">section 308(b) of this title</ref>. When substantial and material questions of fact exist concerning such qualifications, the Commission shall conduct a hearing in order to make such determinations. For the purpose of making such determinations, the Commission may, by rule, and notwithstanding any other provision of law—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec2b011-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/2/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> adopt procedures for the submission of all or part of the evidence in written form;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec2d722-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/2/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> delegate the function of presiding at the taking of written evidence to Commission employees other than administrative law judges; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec2d723-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/2/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> omit the determination required by subsection (a) with respect to any application other than the one selected pursuant to paragraph (1).</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2d724-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/3"><num value="3">(3)</num><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2d725-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/3/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> The Commission shall establish rules and procedures to ensure that, in the administration of any system of random selection under this subsection used for granting licenses or construction permits for any media of mass communications, significant preferences will be granted to applicants or groups of applicants, the grant to which of the license or permit would increase the diversification of ownership of the media of mass communications. To further diversify the ownership of the media of mass communications, an additional significant preference shall be granted to any applicant controlled by a member or members of a minority group.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2d726-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/3/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> The Commission shall have authority to require each qualified applicant seeking a significant preference under subparagraph (A) to submit to the Commission such information as may be necessary to enable the Commission to make a determination regarding whether such applicant shall be granted such preference. Such information shall be submitted in such form, at such times, and in accordance with such procedures, as the Commission may require.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2d727-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/3/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><chapeau> For purposes of this paragraph:</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec2d728-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/3/C/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> The term “media of mass communications” includes television, radio, cable television, multipoint distribution service, direct broadcast satellite service, and other services, the licensed facilities of which may be substantially devoted toward providing programming or other information services within the editorial control of the licensee.</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec2fe39-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/3/C/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> The term “minority group” includes Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2fe3a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/4"><num value="4">(4)</num><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2fe3b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/4/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> The Commission shall, after notice and opportunity for hearing, prescribe rules establishing a system of random selection for use by the Commission under this subsection in any instance in which the Commission, in its discretion, determines that such use is appropriate for the granting of any license or permit in accordance with paragraph (1).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2fe3c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/4/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> The Commission shall have authority to amend such rules from time to time to the extent necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection. Any such amendment shall be made after notice and opportunity for hearing.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2fe3d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/4/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> Not later than 180 days after <date date="1993-08-10">August 10, 1993</date>, the Commission shall prescribe such transfer disclosures and antitrafficking restrictions and payment schedules as are necessary to prevent the unjust enrichment of recipients of licenses or permits as a result of the methods employed to issue licenses under this subsection.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2fe3e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/5"><num value="5">(5)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Termination of authority</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec2fe3f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/5/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Commission shall not issue any license or permit using a system of random selection under this subsection after <date date="1997-07-01">July 1, 1997</date>.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0" id="id0ec32450-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/i/5/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> Subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to licenses or permits for stations described in <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s397/6">section 397(6) of this title</ref>.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec32451-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j"><num value="j" class="bold">(j)</num><heading class="bold"> Use of competitive bidding</heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec32452-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/1"><num value="1" class="bold">(1)</num><heading class="bold"> General authority</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">If, consistent with the obligations described in paragraph (6)(E), mutually exclusive applications are accepted for any initial license or construction permit, then, except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission shall grant the license or permit to a qualified applicant through a system of competitive bidding that meets the requirements of this subsection.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec32453-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/2"><num value="2" class="bold">(2)</num><heading class="bold"> Exemptions</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">The competitive bidding authority granted by this subsection shall not apply to licenses or construction permits issued by the Commission—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec32454-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/2/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><chapeau> for public safety radio services, including private internal radio services used by State and local governments and non-government entities and including emergency road services provided by not-for-profit organizations, that—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec32455-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/2/A/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> are used to protect the safety of life, health, or property; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec32456-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/2/A/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> are not made commercially available to the public;</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec34b67-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/2/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> for initial licenses or construction permits for digital television service given to existing terrestrial broadcast licensees to replace their analog television service licenses; or</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec34b68-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/2/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> for stations described in <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s397/6">section 397(6) of this title</ref>.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec34b69-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3"><num value="3" class="bold">(3)</num><heading class="bold"> Design of systems of competitive bidding</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">For each class of licenses or permits that the Commission grants through the use of a competitive bidding system, the Commission shall, by regulation, establish a competitive bidding methodology. The Commission shall seek to design and test multiple alternative methodologies under appropriate circumstances. The Commission shall, directly or by contract, provide for the design and conduct (for purposes of testing) of competitive bidding using a contingent combinatorial bidding system that permits prospective bidders to bid on combinations or groups of licenses in a single bid and to enter multiple alternative bids within a single bidding round. In identifying classes of licenses and permits to be issued by competitive bidding, in specifying eligibility and other characteristics of such licenses and permits, and in designing the methodologies for use under this subsection, the Commission shall include safeguards to protect the public interest in the use of the spectrum and shall seek to promote the purposes specified in <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s151">section 151 of this title</ref> and the following objectives:</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec34b6a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> the development and rapid deployment of new technologies, products, and services for the benefit of the public, including those residing in rural areas, without administrative or judicial delays;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec34b6b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> promoting economic opportunity and competition and ensuring that new and innovative technologies are readily accessible to the American people by avoiding excessive concentration of licenses and by disseminating licenses among a wide variety of applicants, including small businesses, rural telephone companies, and businesses owned by members of minority groups and women;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3727c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> recovery for the public of a portion of the value of the public spectrum resource made available for commercial use and avoidance of unjust enrichment through the methods employed to award uses of that resource;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3727d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> efficient and intensive use of the electromagnetic spectrum;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3727e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><chapeau> ensure that, in the scheduling of any competitive bidding under this subsection, an adequate period is allowed—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec3727f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/E/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> before issuance of bidding rules, to permit notice and comment on proposed auction procedures; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec37280-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/E/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> after issuance of bidding rules, to ensure that interested parties have a sufficient time to develop business plans, assess market conditions, and evaluate the availability of equipment for the relevant services; and</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec37281-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/3/F"><num value="F">(F)</num><content> for any auction of eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/g/2">47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)</ref>), the recovery of 110 percent of estimated relocation or sharing costs as provided to the Commission pursuant to section 113(g)(4) of such Act.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec37282-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/4"><num value="4" class="bold">(4)</num><heading class="bold"> Contents of regulations</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">In prescribing regulations pursuant to paragraph (3), the Commission shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec39993-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/4/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> consider alternative payment schedules and methods of calculation, including lump sums or guaranteed installment payments, with or without royalty payments, or other schedules or methods that promote the objectives described in paragraph (3)(B), and combinations of such schedules and methods;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec39994-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/4/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> include performance requirements, such as appropriate deadlines and penalties for performance failures, to ensure prompt delivery of service to rural areas, to prevent stockpiling or warehousing of spectrum by licensees or permittees, and to promote investment in and rapid deployment of new technologies and services;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec39995-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/4/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, the purposes of this chapter, and the characteristics of the proposed service, prescribe area designations and bandwidth assignments that promote (i) an equitable distribution of licenses and services among geographic areas, (ii) economic opportunity for a wide variety of applicants, including small businesses, rural telephone companies, and businesses owned by members of minority groups and women, and (iii) investment in and rapid deployment of new technologies and services;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec39996-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/4/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> ensure that small businesses, rural telephone companies, and businesses owned by members of minority groups and women are given the opportunity to participate in the provision of spectrum-based services, and, for such purposes, consider the use of tax certificates, bidding preferences, and other procedures;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec39997-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/4/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><content> require such transfer disclosures and antitrafficking restrictions and payment schedules as may be necessary to prevent unjust enrichment as a result of the methods employed to issue licenses and permits; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3c0a8-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/4/F"><num value="F">(F)</num><content> prescribe methods by which a reasonable reserve price will be required, or a minimum bid will be established, to obtain any license or permit being assigned pursuant to the competitive bidding, unless the Commission determines that such a reserve price or minimum bid is not in the public interest.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec3c0a9-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/5"><num value="5" class="bold">(5)</num><heading class="bold"> Bidder and licensee qualification</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">No person shall be permitted to participate in a system of competitive bidding pursuant to this subsection unless such bidder submits such information and assurances as the Commission may require to demonstrate that such bidder’s application is acceptable for filing. No license shall be granted to an applicant selected pursuant to this subsection unless the Commission determines that the applicant is qualified pursuant to subsection (a) and sections 308(b) and 310 of this title. Consistent with the objectives described in paragraph (3), the Commission shall, by regulation, prescribe expedited procedures consistent with the procedures authorized by subsection (i)(2) for the resolution of any substantial and material issues of fact concerning qualifications.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec3c0aa-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6"><num value="6" class="bold">(6)</num><heading class="bold"> Rules of construction</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">Nothing in this subsection, or in the use of competitive bidding, shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3c0ab-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> alter spectrum allocation criteria and procedures established by the other provisions of this chapter;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3c0ac-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> limit or otherwise affect the requirements of subsection (h) of this section, section 301, 304, 307, 310, or 606 of this title, or any other provision of this chapter (other than subsections (d)(2) and (e) of this section);</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3e7bd-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> diminish the authority of the Commission under the other provisions of this chapter to regulate or reclaim spectrum licenses;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3e7be-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/D"><num value="D">(D)</num><content> be construed to convey any rights, including any expectation of renewal of a license, that differ from the rights that apply to other licenses within the same service that were not issued pursuant to this subsection;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3e7bf-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/E"><num value="E">(E)</num><content> be construed to relieve the Commission of the obligation in the public interest to continue to use engineering solutions, negotiation, threshold qualifications, service regulations, and other means in order to avoid mutual exclusivity in application and licensing proceedings;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3e7c0-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/F"><num value="F">(F)</num><content> be construed to prohibit the Commission from issuing nationwide, regional, or local licenses or permits;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3e7c1-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/G"><num value="G">(G)</num><content> be construed to prevent the Commission from awarding licenses to those persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new telecommunications service or technology; or</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec3e7c2-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/6/H"><num value="H">(H)</num><content> be construed to relieve any applicant for a license or permit of the obligation to pay charges imposed pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s158">section 158 of this title</ref>.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec3e7c3-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/7"><num value="7" class="bold">(7)</num><heading class="bold"> Consideration of revenues in public interest determinations</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec3e7c4-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/7/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> Consideration prohibited</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">In making a decision pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s303/c">section 303(c) of this title</ref> to assign a band of frequencies to a use for which licenses or permits will be issued pursuant to this subsection, and in prescribing regulations pursuant to paragraph (4)(C) of this subsection, the Commission may not base a finding of public interest, convenience, and necessity on the expectation of Federal revenues from the use of a system of competitive bidding under this subsection.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec40ed5-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/7/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Consideration limited</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">In prescribing regulations pursuant to paragraph (4)(A) of this subsection, the Commission may not base a finding of public interest, convenience, and necessity solely or predominantly on the expectation of Federal revenues from the use of a system of competitive bidding under this subsection.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec40ed6-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/7/C"><num value="C" class="bold">(C)</num><heading class="bold"> Consideration of demand for spectrum not affected</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Commission from continuing to consider consumer demand for spectrum-based services.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec40ed7-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8"><num value="8" class="bold">(8)</num><heading class="bold"> Treatment of revenues</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec40ed8-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> General rule</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Except as provided in subparagraphs (B), (D), (E), (F), and (G), all proceeds from the use of a competitive bidding system under this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with chapter 33 of title 31.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec40ed9-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Retention of revenues</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the salaries and expenses account of the Commission shall retain as an offsetting collection such sums as may be necessary from such proceeds for the costs of developing and implementing the program required by this subsection. Such offsetting collections shall be available for obligation subject to the terms and conditions of the receiving appropriations account, and shall be deposited in such accounts on a quarterly basis. Such offsetting collections are authorized to remain available until expended.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec40eda-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/C"><num value="C" class="bold">(C)</num><heading class="bold"> Deposit and use of auction escrow accounts</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Any deposits the Commission may require for the qualification of any person to bid in a system of competitive bidding pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury. Within 45 days following the conclusion of the competitive bidding—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec40edb-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/C/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> the deposits of successful bidders shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury (where such deposits shall be used for the sole purpose of deficit reduction), except as otherwise provided in subparagraphs (D)(ii), (E)(ii), (F), and (G); and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec435ec-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/C/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> the deposits of unsuccessful bidders shall be returned to such bidders, and payments representing the return of such deposits shall not be subject to administrative offset under <ref href="/us/usc/t31/s3716/c">section 3716(c) of title 31</ref>.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec435ed-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/D"><num value="D" class="bold">(D)</num><heading class="bold"> Proceeds from reallocated Federal spectrum</heading><clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec435ee-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/D/i"><num value="i" class="bold">(i)</num><heading class="bold"> In general</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Except as provided in clause (ii), cash proceeds attributable to the auction of any eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/g/2">47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)</ref>) shall be deposited in the Spectrum Relocation Fund established under section 118 of such Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s928">47 U.S.C. 928</ref>], and shall be available in accordance with that section.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec435ef-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/D/ii"><num value="ii" class="bold">(ii)</num><heading class="bold"> Certain other proceeds</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and except as provided in subparagraph (B), in the case of proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) attributable to the auction of eligible frequencies described in paragraph (2) of section 113(g) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/g">47 U.S.C. 923(g)</ref>] that are required to be auctioned by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s1451/b/1/B">section 1451(b)(1)(B) of this title</ref>, such portion of such proceeds as is necessary to cover the relocation or sharing costs (as defined in paragraph (3) of such section 113(g)) of Federal entities relocated from such eligible frequencies shall be deposited in the Spectrum Relocation Fund. The remainder of such proceeds shall be deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund established by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s1457/a/1">section 1457(a)(1) of this title</ref>.</p>
</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d00-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E"><num value="E" class="bold">(E)</num><heading class="bold"> Transfer of receipts</heading><clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d01-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E/i"><num value="i" class="bold">(i)</num><heading class="bold"> Establishment of Fund</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d02-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E/ii"><num value="ii" class="bold">(ii)</num><heading class="bold"> Proceeds for funds</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) from the use of a competitive bidding system under this subsection with respect to recovered analog spectrum shall be deposited in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d03-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E/iii"><num value="iii" class="bold">(iii)</num><heading class="bold"> Transfer of amount to Treasury</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">On <date date="2009-09-30">September 30, 2009</date>, the Secretary shall transfer $7,363,000,000 from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund to the general fund of the Treasury.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d04-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E/iv"><num value="iv" class="bold">(iv)</num><heading class="bold"> Recovered analog spectrum</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">For purposes of clause (i), the term “recovered analog spectrum” has the meaning provided in paragraph (15)(C)(vi).</p>
</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d05-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/F"><num value="F" class="bold">(F)</num><heading class="bold"> Certain proceeds designated for Public Safety Trust Fund</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (D)(ii), the proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) from the use of a system of competitive bidding under this subsection pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s1451/b/1/B">section 1451(b)(1)(B) of this title</ref> shall be deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund established by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s1457/a/1">section 1457(a)(1) of this title</ref>.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d06-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G"><num value="G" class="bold">(G)</num><heading class="bold"> Incentive auctions</heading><clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec45d07-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/i"><num value="i" class="bold">(i)</num><heading class="bold"> In general</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Commission may encourage a licensee to relinquish voluntarily some or all of its licensed spectrum usage rights in order to permit the assignment of new initial licenses subject to flexible-use service rules by sharing with such licensee a portion, based on the value of the relinquished rights as determined in the reverse auction required by clause (ii)(I), of the proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) from the use of a competitive bidding system under this subsection.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec48418-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/ii"><num value="ii" class="bold">(ii)</num><heading class="bold"> Limitations</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">The Commission may not enter into an agreement for a licensee to relinquish spectrum usage rights in exchange for a share of auction proceeds under clause (i) unless—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec48419-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/ii/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> the Commission conducts a reverse auction to determine the amount of compensation that licensees would accept in return for voluntarily relinquishing spectrum usage rights; and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec4841a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/ii/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> at least two competing licensees participate in the reverse auction.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4841b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/iii"><num value="iii" class="bold">(iii)</num><heading class="bold"> Treatment of revenues</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and except as provided in subparagraph (B), the proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) from any auction, prior to the end of fiscal year 2022, of spectrum usage rights made available under clause (i) that are not shared with licensees under such clause shall be deposited as follows:</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec4841c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/iii/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> $1,750,000,000 of the proceeds from the incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum required by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s1452">section 1452 of this title</ref> shall be deposited in the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund established by subsection (d)(1) of such section.</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec4841d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/iii/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><chapeau> All other proceeds shall be deposited—</chapeau><item style="-uslm-lc:I580434" class="indent5" id="id0ec4841e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/iii/II/aa"><num value="aa">(aa)</num><content> prior to the end of fiscal year 2022, in the Public Safety Trust Fund established by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s1457/a/1">section 1457(a)(1) of this title</ref>; and</content>
</item>
<item style="-uslm-lc:I580434" class="indent5" id="id0ec4ab2f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/iii/II/bb"><num value="bb">(bb)</num><content> after the end of fiscal year 2022, in the general fund of the Treasury, where such proceeds shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.</content>
</item>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4ab30-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/iv"><num value="iv" class="bold">(iv)</num><heading class="bold"> Congressional notification</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">At least 3 months before any incentive auction conducted under this subparagraph, the Chairman of the Commission, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress of the methodology for calculating the amounts that will be shared with licensees under clause (i).</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4ab31-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/v"><num value="v" class="bold">(v)</num><heading class="bold"> Definition</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">In this subparagraph, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec4ab32-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/v/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec4ab33-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/v/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec4ab34-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/v/III"><num value="III">(III)</num><content> the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec4ab35-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/G/v/IV"><num value="IV">(IV)</num><content> the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4ab36-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/9"><num value="9" class="bold">(9)</num><heading class="bold"> Use of former Government spectrum</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">The Commission shall, not later than 5 years after <date date="1993-08-10">August 10, 1993</date>, issue licenses and permits pursuant to this subsection for the use of bands of frequencies that—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec4ab37-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/9/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> in the aggregate span not less than 10 megahertz; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec4ab38-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/9/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> have been reassigned from Government use pursuant to part B of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s921">47 U.S.C. 921</ref> et seq.].</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4d249-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10"><num value="10" class="bold">(10)</num><heading class="bold"> Authority contingent on availability of additional spectrum</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4d24a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> Initial conditions</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">The Commission’s authority to issue licenses or permits under this subsection shall not take effect unless—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4d24b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/A/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> the Secretary of Commerce has submitted to the Commission the report required by section 113(d)(1) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/d/1">47 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)</ref>];</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4d24c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/A/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> such report recommends for immediate reallocation bands of frequencies that, in the aggregate, span not less than 50 megahertz;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4d24d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/A/iii"><num value="iii">(iii)</num><content> such bands of frequencies meet the criteria required by section 113(a) of such Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/a">47 U.S.C. 923(a)</ref>]; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4d24e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/A/iv"><num value="iv">(iv)</num><content> the Commission has completed the rulemaking required by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s332/c/1/D">section 332(c)(1)(D) of this title</ref>.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4d24f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Subsequent conditions</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">The Commission’s authority to issue licenses or permits under this subsection on and after 2 years after <date date="1993-08-10">August 10, 1993</date>, shall cease to be effective if—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4d250-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/B/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> the Secretary of Commerce has failed to submit the report required by section 113(a) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/a">47 U.S.C. 923(a)</ref>];</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4d251-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/B/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> the President has failed to withdraw and limit assignments of frequencies as required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 114(a) of such Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s924/a">47 U.S.C. 924(a)</ref>];</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4d252-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/B/iii"><num value="iii">(iii)</num><content> the Commission has failed to issue the regulations required by section 115(a) of such Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s925/a">47 U.S.C. 925(a)</ref>];</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4f963-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/B/iv"><num value="iv">(iv)</num><content> the Commission has failed to complete and submit to Congress, not later than 18 months after <date date="1993-08-10">August 10, 1993</date>, a study of current and future spectrum needs of State and local government public safety agencies through the year 2010, and a specific plan to ensure that adequate frequencies are made available to public safety licensees; or</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec4f964-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/10/B/v"><num value="v">(v)</num><content> the Commission has failed under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s332/c/3">section 332(c)(3) of this title</ref> to grant or deny within the time required by such section any petition that a State has filed within 90 days after <date date="1993-08-10">August 10, 1993</date>;</content>
</clause>

<continuation style="-uslm-lc:I32" class="indent2 firstIndent0">until such failure has been corrected.</continuation>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4f965-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/11"><num value="11" class="bold">(11)</num><heading class="bold"> Termination</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">The authority of the Commission to grant a license or permit under this subsection shall expire <date date="2022-09-30">September 30, 2022</date>, except that, with respect to the electromagnetic spectrum identified under section 1004(a) of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015, such authority shall expire on <date date="2025-09-30">September 30, 2025</date>.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4f966-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/12"><num value="12" class="bold">(12)</num><heading class="bold"> Repealed. <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/dP/tIV/s402/i/4/A">Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title IV, § 402(i)(4)(A)</ref>, <date date="2018-03-23">Mar. 23, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/1089">132 Stat. 1089</ref></heading><content/>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4f967-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13"><num value="13" class="bold">(13)</num><heading class="bold"> Recovery of value of public spectrum in connection with pioneer preferences</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4f968-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> In general</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Notwithstanding paragraph (6)(G), the Commission shall not award licenses pursuant to a preferential treatment accorded by the Commission to persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new telecommunications service or technology, except in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec4f969-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Recovery of value</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">The Commission shall recover for the public a portion of the value of the public spectrum resource made available to such person by requiring such person, as a condition for receipt of the license, to agree to pay a sum determined by—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5207a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/B/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> identifying the winning bids for the licenses that the Commission determines are most reasonably comparable in terms of bandwidth, scope of service area, usage restrictions, and other technical characteristics to the license awarded to such person, and excluding licenses that the Commission determines are subject to bidding anomalies due to the award of preferential treatment;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5207b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/B/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> dividing each such winning bid by the population of its service area (hereinafter referred to as the per capita bid amount);</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5207c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/B/iii"><num value="iii">(iii)</num><content> computing the average of the per capita bid amounts for the licenses identified under clause (i);</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5207d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/B/iv"><num value="iv">(iv)</num><content> reducing such average amount by 15 percent; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5207e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/B/v"><num value="v">(v)</num><content> multiplying the amount determined under clause (iv) by the population of the service area of the license obtained by such person.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5207f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/C"><num value="C" class="bold">(C)</num><heading class="bold"> Installments permitted</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">The Commission shall require such person to pay the sum required by subparagraph (B) in a lump sum or in guaranteed installment payments, with or without royalty payments, over a period of not more than 5 years.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec52080-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/D"><num value="D" class="bold">(D)</num><heading class="bold"> Rulemaking on pioneer preferences</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Except with respect to pending applications described in clause (iv) of this subparagraph, the Commission shall prescribe regulations specifying the procedures and criteria by which the Commission will evaluate applications for preferential treatment in its licensing processes (by precluding the filing of mutually exclusive applications) for persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new service or to the development of new technologies that substantially enhance an existing service. Such regulations shall—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec54791-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/D/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> specify the procedures and criteria by which the significance of such contributions will be determined, after an opportunity for review and verification by experts in the radio sciences drawn from among persons who are not employees of the Commission or by any applicant for such preferential treatment;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec54792-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/D/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> include such other procedures as may be necessary to prevent unjust enrichment by ensuring that the value of any such contribution justifies any reduction in the amounts paid for comparable licenses under this subsection;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec54793-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/D/iii"><num value="iii">(iii)</num><content> be prescribed not later than 6 months after <date date="1994-12-08">December 8, 1994</date>;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec54794-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/D/iv"><num value="iv">(iv)</num><content> not apply to applications that have been accepted for filing on or before <date date="1994-09-01">September 1, 1994</date>; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec54795-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/D/v"><num value="v">(v)</num><content> cease to be effective on the date of the expiration of the Commission’s authority under subparagraph (F).</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec54796-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E"><num value="E" class="bold">(E)</num><heading class="bold"> Implementation with respect to pending applications</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">In applying this paragraph to any broadband licenses in the personal communications service awarded pursuant to the preferential treatment accorded by the Federal Communications Commission in the Third Report and Order in General Docket 90–314 (FCC 93–550, released <date date="1994-02-03">February 3, 1994</date>)—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec54797-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> the Commission shall not reconsider the award of preferences in such Third Report and Order, and the Commission shall not delay the grant of licenses based on such awards more than 15 days following <date date="1994-12-08">December 8, 1994</date>, and the award of such preferences and licenses shall not be subject to administrative or judicial review;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec56ea8-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> the Commission shall not alter the bandwidth or service areas designated for such licenses in such Third Report and Order;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec56ea9-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E/iii"><num value="iii">(iii)</num><content> except as provided in clause (v), the Commission shall use, as the most reasonably comparable licenses for purposes of subparagraph (B)(i), the broadband licenses in the personal communications service for blocks A and B for the 20 largest markets (ranked by population) in which no applicant has obtained preferential treatment;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec56eaa-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E/iv"><num value="iv">(iv)</num><chapeau> for purposes of subparagraph (C), the Commission shall permit guaranteed installment payments over a period of 5 years, subject to—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec56eab-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E/iv/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> the payment only of interest on unpaid balances during the first 2 years, commencing not later than 30 days after the award of the license (including any preferential treatment used in making such award) is final and no longer subject to administrative or judicial review, except that no such payment shall be required prior to the date of completion of the auction of the comparable licenses described in clause (iii); and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec56eac-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E/iv/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> payment of the unpaid balance and interest thereon after the end of such 2 years in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Commission; and</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec56ead-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/E/v"><num value="v">(v)</num><content> the Commission shall recover with respect to broadband licenses in the personal communications service an amount under this paragraph that is equal to not less than $400,000,000, and if such amount is less than $400,000,000, the Commission shall recover an amount equal to $400,000,000 by allocating such amount among the holders of such licenses based on the population of the license areas held by each licensee.</content>
</clause>

<continuation style="-uslm-lc:I32" class="indent2 firstIndent0">The Commission shall not include in any amounts required to be collected under clause (v) the interest on unpaid balances required to be collected under clause (iv).</continuation>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec595be-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/F"><num value="F" class="bold">(F)</num><heading class="bold"> Expiration</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">The authority of the Commission to provide preferential treatment in licensing procedures (by precluding the filing of mutually exclusive applications) to persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new service or to the development of new technologies that substantially enhance an existing service shall expire on <date date="1997-08-05">August 5, 1997</date>.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec595bf-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/13/G"><num value="G" class="bold">(G)</num><heading class="bold"> Effective date</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">This paragraph shall be effective on <date date="1994-12-08">December 8, 1994</date>, and apply to any licenses issued on or after <date date="1994-08-01">August 1, 1994</date>, by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to any licensing procedure that provides preferential treatment (by precluding the filing of mutually exclusive applications) to persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new service or to the development of new technologies that substantially enhance an existing service.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec595c0-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14"><num value="14" class="bold">(14)</num><heading class="bold"> Auction of recaptured broadcast television spectrum</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec595c1-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> Limitations on terms of terrestrial television broadcast licenses</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">A full-power television broadcast license that authorizes analog television service may not be renewed to authorize such service for a period that extends beyond <date date="2009-06-12">June 12, 2009</date>.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec595c2-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Spectrum reversion and resale</heading><clause style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec595c3-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/B/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><chapeau> The Commission shall—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec595c4-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/B/i/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> ensure that, as licenses for analog television service expire pursuant to subparagraph (A), each licensee shall cease using electromagnetic spectrum assigned to such service according to the Commission’s direction; and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5bcd5-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/B/i/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> reclaim and organize the electromagnetic spectrum in a manner consistent with the objectives described in paragraph (3) of this subsection.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec5bcd6-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/B/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> Licensees for new services occupying spectrum reclaimed pursuant to clause (i) shall be assigned in accordance with this subsection.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5bcd7-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/C"><num value="C" class="bold">(C)</num><heading class="bold"> Certain limitations on qualified bidders prohibited</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">In prescribing any regulations relating to the qualification of bidders for spectrum reclaimed pursuant to subparagraph (B)(i), the Commission, for any license that may be used for any digital television service where the grade A contour of the station is projected to encompass the entirety of a city with a population in excess of 400,000 (as determined using the 1990 decennial census), shall not—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5bcd8-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/C/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><chapeau> preclude any party from being a qualified bidder for such spectrum on the basis of—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec5bcd9-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/C/i/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> the Commission’s duopoly rule (47 C.F.R. 73.3555(b)); or</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec5bcda-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/C/i/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> the Commission’s newspaper cross-ownership rule (47 C.F.R. 73.3555(d)); or</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec5bcdb-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14/C/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><content> apply either such rule to preclude such a party that is a winning bidder in a competitive bidding for such spectrum from using such spectrum for digital television service.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5bcdc-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15"><num value="15" class="bold">(15)</num><heading class="bold"> Commission to determine timing of auctions</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5bcdd-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> Commission authority</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Subject to the provisions of this subsection (including paragraph (11)), but notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission shall determine the timing of and deadlines for the conduct of competitive bidding under this subsection, including the timing of and deadlines for qualifying for bidding; conducting auctions; collecting, depositing, and reporting revenues; and completing licensing processes and assigning licenses.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5e3ee-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Termination of portions of auctions 31 and 44</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Commission shall not commence or conduct auctions 31 and 44 on <date date="2002-06-19">June 19, 2002</date>, as specified in the public notices of <date date="2002-03-19">March 19, 2002</date>, and <date date="2002-03-20">March 20, 2002</date> (DA 02–659 and DA 02–563).</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5e3ef-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C"><num value="C" class="bold">(C)</num><heading class="bold"> Exception</heading><clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5e3f0-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/i"><num value="i" class="bold">(i)</num><heading class="bold"> Blocks excepted</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Subparagraph (B) shall not apply to the auction of—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec5e3f1-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/i/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> the C-block of licenses on the bands of frequencies located at 710–716 megahertz, and 740–746 megahertz; or</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec5e3f2-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/i/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> the D-block of licenses on the bands of frequencies located at 716–722 megahertz.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5e3f3-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/ii"><num value="ii" class="bold">(ii)</num><heading class="bold"> Eligible bidders</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">The entities that shall be eligible to bid in the auction of the C-block and D-block licenses described in clause (i) shall be those entities that were qualified entities, and that submitted applications to participate in auction 44, by <date date="2002-05-08">May 8, 2002</date>, as part of the original auction 44 short form filing deadline.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec5e3f4-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/iii"><num value="iii" class="bold">(iii)</num><heading class="bold"> Auction deadlines for excepted blocks</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), the auction of the C-block and D-block licenses described in clause (i) shall be commenced no earlier than <date date="2002-08-19">August 19, 2002</date>, and no later than <date date="2002-09-19">September 19, 2002</date>, and the proceeds of such auction shall be deposited in accordance with paragraph (8) not later than <date date="2002-12-31">December 31, 2002</date>.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec60b05-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/iv"><num value="iv" class="bold">(iv)</num><heading class="bold"> Repealed. <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/dP/tIV/s402/i/4/B">Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title IV, § 402(i)(4)(B)</ref>, <date date="2018-03-23">Mar. 23, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/1089">132 Stat. 1089</ref></heading><content/>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec60b06-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/v"><num value="v" class="bold">(v)</num><heading class="bold"> Additional deadlines for recovered analog spectrum</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), the Commission shall conduct the auction of the licenses for recovered analog spectrum by commencing the bidding not later than <date date="2008-01-28">January 28, 2008</date>, and shall deposit the proceeds of such auction in accordance with paragraph (8)(E)(ii) not later than <date date="2008-06-30">June 30, 2008</date>.</p>
</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I77" class="indent5 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec60b07-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/vi"><num value="vi" class="bold">(vi)</num><heading class="bold"> Recovered analog spectrum</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3">For purposes of clause (v), the term “recovered analog spectrum” means the spectrum between channels 52 and 69, inclusive (between frequencies 698 and 806 megahertz, inclusive) reclaimed from analog television service broadcasting under paragraph (14), other than—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec60b08-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/vi/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> the spectrum required by <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s337">section 337 of this title</ref> to be made available for public safety services; and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec60b09-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/C/vi/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> the spectrum auctioned prior to <date date="2006-02-08">February 8, 2006</date>.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec60b0a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/15/D"><num value="D" class="bold">(D)</num><heading class="bold"> Return of payments</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Within one month after <date date="2002-06-19">June 19, 2002</date>, the Commission shall return to the bidders for licenses in the A-block, B-block, and E-block of auction 44 the full amount of all upfront payments made by such bidders for such licenses.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec60b0b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/16"><num value="16" class="bold">(16)</num><heading class="bold"> Special auction provisions for eligible frequencies</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec60b0c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/16/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> Special regulations</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">The Commission shall revise the regulations prescribed under paragraph (4)(F) of this subsection to prescribe methods by which the total cash proceeds from any auction of eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/g/2">47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)</ref>) shall at least equal 110 percent of the total estimated relocation or sharing costs provided to the Commission pursuant to section 113(g)(4) of such Act.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec6321d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/16/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Conclusion of auctions contingent on minimum proceeds</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">The Commission shall not conclude any auction of eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of such Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s923/g/2">47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)</ref>] if the total cash proceeds attributable to such spectrum are less than 110 percent of the total estimated relocation or sharing costs provided to the Commission pursuant to section 113(g)(4) of such Act. If the Commission is unable to conclude an auction for the foregoing reason, the Commission shall cancel the auction, return within 45 days after the auction cancellation date any deposits from participating bidders held in escrow, and absolve such bidders from any obligation to the United States to bid in any subsequent reauction of such spectrum.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec6321e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/16/C"><num value="C" class="bold">(C)</num><heading class="bold"> Authority to issue prior to deauthorization</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">In any auction conducted under the regulations required by subparagraph (A), the Commission may grant a license assigned for the use of eligible frequencies prior to the termination of an eligible Federal entity’s authorization. However, the Commission shall condition such license by requiring that the licensee cannot cause harmful interference to such Federal entity until such entity’s authorization has been terminated by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec6321f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/17"><num value="17" class="bold">(17)</num><heading class="bold"> Certain conditions on auction participation prohibited</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec65930-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/17/A"><num value="A" class="bold">(A)</num><heading class="bold"> In general</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission may not prevent a person from participating in a system of competitive bidding under this subsection if such person—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec65931-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/17/A/i"><num value="i">(i)</num><content> complies with all the auction procedures and other requirements to protect the auction process established by the Commission; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I14" class="indent3" id="id0ec65932-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/17/A/ii"><num value="ii">(ii)</num><chapeau> either—</chapeau><subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec65933-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/17/A/ii/I"><num value="I">(I)</num><content> meets the technical, financial, character, and citizenship qualifications that the Commission may require under section 303(<i>l</i>)(1), 308(b), or 310 of this title to hold a license; or</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-lc:I16" class="indent4" id="id0ec65934-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/17/A/ii/II"><num value="II">(II)</num><content> would meet such license qualifications by means approved by the Commission prior to the grant of the license.</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I18" class="indent4 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec65935-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/17/B"><num value="B" class="bold">(B)</num><heading class="bold"> Clarification of authority</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2">Nothing in subparagraph (A) affects any authority the Commission has to adopt and enforce rules of general applicability, including rules concerning spectrum aggregation that promote competition.</p>
</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec65936-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/18"><num value="18" class="bold">(18)</num><heading class="bold"> Estimate of upcoming auctions</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec65937-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/18/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> Not later than <date date="2018-09-30">September 30, 2018</date>, and annually thereafter, the Commission shall make publicly available an estimate of what systems of competitive bidding authorized under this subsection may be initiated during the upcoming 12-month period.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec65938-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/18/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> The estimate under subparagraph (A) shall, to the extent possible, identify the bands of frequencies the Commission expects to be included in each such system of competitive bidding.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec65939-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k"><num value="k" class="bold">(k)</num><heading class="bold"> Broadcast station renewal procedures</heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec6593a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/1"><num value="1" class="bold">(1)</num><heading class="bold"> Standards for renewal</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">If the licensee of a broadcast station submits an application to the Commission for renewal of such license, the Commission shall grant the application if it finds, with respect to that station, during the preceding term of its license—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec6804b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/1/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> the station has served the public interest, convenience, and necessity;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec6804c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/1/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> there have been no serious violations by the licensee of this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec6804d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/1/C"><num value="C">(C)</num><content> there have been no other violations by the licensee of this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission which, taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec6804e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/2"><num value="2" class="bold">(2)</num><heading class="bold"> Consequence of failure to meet standard</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">If any licensee of a broadcast station fails to meet the requirements of this subsection, the Commission may deny the application for renewal in accordance with paragraph (3), or grant such application on terms and conditions as are appropriate, including renewal for a term less than the maximum otherwise permitted.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec6804f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/3"><num value="3" class="bold">(3)</num><heading class="bold"> Standards for denial</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">If the Commission determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing as provided in subsection (e), that a licensee has failed to meet the requirements specified in paragraph (1) and that no mitigating factors justify the imposition of lesser sanctions, the Commission shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec68050-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/3/A"><num value="A">(A)</num><content> issue an order denying the renewal application filed by such licensee under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308">section 308 of this title</ref>; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I13" class="indent2" id="id0ec68051-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/3/B"><num value="B">(B)</num><content> only thereafter accept and consider such applications for a construction permit as may be filed under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308">section 308 of this title</ref> specifying the channel or broadcasting facilities of the former licensee.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I79" class="indent3 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec68052-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/k/4"><num value="4" class="bold">(4)</num><heading class="bold"> Competitor consideration prohibited</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1">In making the determinations specified in paragraph (1) or (2), the Commission shall not consider whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity might be served by the grant of a license to a person other than the renewal applicant.</p>
</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I19" class="indent2 firstIndent-2" id="id0ec6a763-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/l"><num value="l" class="bold">(l)</num><heading class="bold"> Applicability of competitive bidding to pending comparative licensing cases</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I11" class="indent0">With respect to competing applications for initial licenses or construction permits for commercial radio or television stations that were filed with the Commission before <date date="1997-07-01">July 1, 1997</date>, the Commission shall—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec6a764-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/l/1"><num value="1">(1)</num><content> have the authority to conduct a competitive bidding proceeding pursuant to subsection (j) to assign such license or permit;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec6a765-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/l/2"><num value="2">(2)</num><content> treat the persons filing such applications as the only persons eligible to be qualified bidders for purposes of such proceeding; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I12" class="indent1" id="id0ec6a766-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f" identifier="/us/usc/t47/s309/l/3"><num value="3">(3)</num><content> waive any provisions of its regulations necessary to permit such persons to enter an agreement to procure the removal of a conflict between their applications during the 180-day period beginning on <date date="1997-08-05">August 5, 1997</date>.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<sourceCredit id="id0ec6a767-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f">(<ref href="/us/act/1934-06-19/ch652">June 19, 1934, ch. 652</ref>, title III, § 309, <ref href="/us/stat/48/1085">48 Stat. 1085</ref>; <ref href="/us/act/1952-07-16/ch879/s7">July 16, 1952, ch. 879, § 7</ref>, <ref href="/us/stat/66/715">66 Stat. 715</ref>; <ref href="/us/act/1954-03-26/ch110">Mar. 26, 1954, ch. 110</ref>, <ref href="/us/stat/68/35">68 Stat. 35</ref>; <ref href="/us/act/1956-01-20/ch1">Jan. 20, 1956, ch. 1</ref>, <ref href="/us/stat/70/3">70 Stat. 3</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/86/752/s4/a">Pub. L. 86–752, § 4(a)</ref>, <date date="1960-09-13">Sept. 13, 1960</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/74/889">74 Stat. 889</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/88/306">Pub. L. 88–306</ref>, <date date="1964-05-14">May 14, 1964</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/78/193">78 Stat. 193</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/88/307">Pub. L. 88–307</ref>, <date date="1964-05-14">May 14, 1964</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/78/194">78 Stat. 194</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/97/35/tXII/s1242/a">Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1242(a)</ref>, <date date="1981-08-13">Aug. 13, 1981</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/95/736">95 Stat. 736</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/97/259/tI">Pub. L. 97–259, title I</ref>, §§ 114, 115, <date date="1982-09-13">Sept. 13, 1982</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/96/1094">96 Stat. 1094</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/98/549/s6/b/1">Pub. L. 98–549, § 6(b)(1)</ref>, <date date="1984-10-30">Oct. 30, 1984</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/98/2804">98 Stat. 2804</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/103/66/tVI/s6002/a">Pub. L. 103–66, title VI, § 6002(a)</ref>, (b)(1), <date date="1993-08-10">Aug. 10, 1993</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/107/387">107 Stat. 387</ref>, 392; <ref href="/us/pl/103/414/tIII">Pub. L. 103–414, title III</ref>, §§ 303(a)(16), (17), 304(a)(9), <date date="1994-10-25">Oct. 25, 1994</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/108/4295">108 Stat. 4295</ref>, 4297; <ref href="/us/pl/103/465/tVIII/s801">Pub. L. 103–465, title VIII, § 801</ref>, <date date="1994-12-08">Dec. 8, 1994</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/108/5050">108 Stat. 5050</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/tII/s204/a">Pub. L. 104–104, title II, § 204(a)</ref>, title IV, § 403(j), title VII, §§ 707(a), 710(c), <date date="1996-02-08">Feb. 8, 1996</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/110/112">110 Stat. 112</ref>, 131, 154, 161; <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/tIII">Pub. L. 105–33, title III</ref>, §§ 3002(a)(1)–(3), 3003, <date date="1997-08-05">Aug. 5, 1997</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/111/258">111 Stat. 258</ref>, 260, 265; <ref href="/us/pl/107/195/s3/a">Pub. L. 107–195, § 3(a)</ref>, (b)(1), <date date="2002-06-19">June 19, 2002</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/116/716">116 Stat. 716</ref>, 717; <ref href="/us/pl/108/494/tII/s203">Pub. L. 108–494, title II, § 203</ref>, <date date="2004-12-23">Dec. 23, 2004</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/118/3993">118 Stat. 3993</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/tIII">Pub. L. 109–171, title III</ref>, §§ 3002(a), 3003, 3004, <date date="2006-02-08">Feb. 8, 2006</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/120/21">120 Stat. 21</ref>, 22; <ref href="/us/pl/111/4">Pub. L. 111–4</ref>, §§ 2(b)(2), 5, <date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/123/112">123 Stat. 112</ref>, 114; <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/tVI">Pub. L. 112–96, title VI</ref>, §§ 6401(c), 6402, 6404, 6405, 6601, 6701(b), <date date="2012-02-22">Feb. 22, 2012</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/126/223">126 Stat. 223</ref>, 224, 230, 245, 252; <ref href="/us/pl/114/74/tX/s1007">Pub. L. 114–74, title X, § 1007</ref>, <date date="2015-11-02">Nov. 2, 2015</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/129/624">129 Stat. 624</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/dP/tI/s101/b">Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title I, § 101(b)</ref>, title IV, § 402(h)(2), (i)(4), title V, § 512(a), <date date="2018-03-23">Mar. 23, 2018</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/132/1081">132 Stat. 1081</ref>, 1089, 1097.)</sourceCredit>
<notes type="uscNote" id="id0ec6ce78-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f">
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" role="crossHeading" topic="editorialNotes" id="id0ec6ce79-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered"><b>Editorial Notes</b></heading></note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I75" topic="referencesInText" id="id0ec6ce7a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f">
<heading class="centered smallCaps">References in Text</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (h), (j)(4)(C), (6), and (k)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning <ref href="/us/act/1934-06-19/ch652">act June 19, 1934, ch. 652</ref>, <ref href="/us/stat/48/1064">48 Stat. 1064</ref>, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s609">section 609 of this title</ref> and Tables.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, referred to in subsec. (j)(9)(B), is title I of <ref href="/us/pl/102/538">Pub. L. 102–538</ref>, <date date="1992-10-27">Oct. 27, 1992</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/106/3533">106 Stat. 3533</ref>. Part B of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 921 et seq.) of chapter 8 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s901">section 901 of this title</ref> and Tables.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Section 1004(a) of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015, referred to in subsec. (j)(11), is <ref href="/us/pl/114/74/s1004/a">section 1004(a) of Pub. L. 114–74</ref>, which is set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s921">section 921 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="amendments" id="id0ec6f58b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Amendments</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2018—Subsec. (j)(8)(B). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s402/h/2">Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(h)(2)</ref>, struck out at end: “No sums may be retained under this subparagraph during any fiscal year beginning after <date date="1998-09-30">September 30, 1998</date>, if the annual report of the Commission under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s154/k">section 154(k) of this title</ref> for the second preceding fiscal year fails to include in the itemized statement required by paragraph (3) of such section a statement of each expenditure made for purposes of conducting competitive bidding under this subsection during such second preceding fiscal year.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s101/b/1">Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(1)</ref>, substituted “the Treasury.” for “an interest bearing account at a financial institution designated for purposes of this subsection by the Commission (after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury).” in introductory provisions.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(i). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s101/b/2/A">Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(2)(A)</ref>, substituted “deposited in the general fund of the Treasury (where such deposits shall be used for the sole purpose of deficit reduction)” for “paid to the Treasury”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(ii). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s101/b/3">Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(3)</ref>, substituted “, and payments representing the return of such deposits shall not be subject to administrative offset under <ref href="/us/usc/t31/s3716/c">section 3716(c) of title 31</ref>.” for “; and”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(iii). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s101/b/2/B">Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(2)(B)</ref>, (4), struck out cl. (iii) which read as follows: “the interest accrued to the account shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amount shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(12). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s402/i/4/A">Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(4)(A)</ref>, struck out par. (12) which required the Commission to submit to Congress a report evaluating the use of competitive bidding systems.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(15)(C)(iv). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s402/i/4/B">Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(4)(B)</ref>, struck out cl. (iv) which required the Commission to submit to Congress a report related to the rescheduling of auctions 31 and 44 and progress made by the Commission in the digital television transition.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(18). <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s512/a">Pub. L. 115–141, § 512(a)</ref>, added par. (18).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2015—Subsec. (j)(11). <ref href="/us/pl/114/74">Pub. L. 114–74</ref> inserted before period at end “, except that, with respect to the electromagnetic spectrum identified under section 1004(a) of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015, such authority shall expire on <date date="2025-09-30">September 30, 2025</date>”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2012—Subsec. (j)(3)(F). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6701/b">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(b)</ref>, substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6401/c/1">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(1)</ref>, substituted “(D), (E), (F), and (G),” for “(D), and (E),”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(i). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6401/c/2">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(2)</ref>, substituted “subparagraphs (D)(ii), (E)(ii), (F), and (G)” for “subparagraph (E)(ii)”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(iii). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6601">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6601</ref>, amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, subcl. (iii) read as follows: “the interest accrued to the account shall be transferred to the Telecommunications Development Fund established pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s614">section 614 of this title</ref>.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(D). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6401/c/3">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(3)</ref>, substituted “Proceeds from reallocated Federal spectrum” for “Disposition of cash proceeds” in subpar. heading, designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. heading, substituted “Except as provided in clause (ii), cash” for “Cash”, and added cl. (ii).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(F). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6401/c/4">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(4)</ref>, added subpar. (F).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(G). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6402">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6402</ref>, added subpar. (G).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(11). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6405">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6405</ref>, substituted “2022” for “2012”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(16)(A), (B). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6701/b">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(b)</ref>, substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(17). <ref href="/us/pl/112/96/s6404">Pub. L. 112–96, § 6404</ref>, added par. (17).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2009—Subsec. (j)(11). <ref href="/us/pl/111/4/s5">Pub. L. 111–4, § 5</ref>, substituted “2012” for “2011”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(14)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/111/4/s2/b/2">Pub. L. 111–4, § 2(b)(2)</ref>, substituted “<date date="2009-06-12">June 12, 2009</date>” for “<date date="2009-02-17">February 17, 2009</date>”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2006—Subsec. (j)(8)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3004/1">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3004(1)</ref>, substituted “subparagraphs (B), (D), and (E)” for “subparagraph (B) or subparagraph (D)”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(i). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3004/2">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3004(2)</ref>, inserted “, except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (E)(ii)” before semicolon at end.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(E). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3004/3">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3004(3)</ref>, added subpar. (E).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(11). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3003/b">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(b)</ref>, substituted “2011” for “2007”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(14)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/a/1">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(1)</ref>, inserted “full-power” before “television broadcast license” and substituted “<date date="2009-02-17">February 17, 2009</date>” for “<date date="2006-12-31">December 31, 2006</date>”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(14)(B). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/a/2">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(2)</ref>, (5), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which related to requirement of Commission to extend renewal period upon certain findings.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(14)(C). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/a/5">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(5)</ref>, redesignated subpar. (D) as (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (B).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(14)(C)(i)(I). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/a/3">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(3)</ref>, struck out “or (B)” after “pursuant to subparagraph (A)”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(14)(D). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/a/5">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(5)</ref>, redesignated subpar. (D) as (C).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/a/4">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(4)</ref>, substituted “subparagraph (B)(i)” for “subparagraph (C)(i)” in introductory provisions.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(15). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3003/a/2">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(a)(2)</ref>, added cls. (v) and (vi) to subpar. (C).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3003/a/1">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(a)(1)</ref>, redesignated par. (15) relating to special auction provisions for eligible frequencies as (16).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(16). <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3003/a/1">Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(a)(1)</ref>, redesignated par. (15) relating to special auction provisions for eligible frequencies as (16).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2004—Subsec. (j)(3)(F). <ref href="/us/pl/108/494/s203/a">Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(a)</ref>, added subpar. (F).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/108/494/s203/c/1">Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(c)(1)</ref>, inserted “or subparagraph (D)” after “subparagraph (B)”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(D). <ref href="/us/pl/108/494/s203/c/2">Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(c)(2)</ref>, added subpar. (D).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(15). <ref href="/us/pl/108/494/s203/b">Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(b)</ref>, added par. (15) relating to special auction provisions for eligible frequencies.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">2002—Subsec. (j)(14)(C)(ii). <ref href="/us/pl/107/195/s3/b/1">Pub. L. 107–195, § 3(b)(1)</ref>, struck out at end “The Commission shall complete the assignment of such licenses, and report to the Congress the total revenues from such competitive bidding, by <date date="2002-09-30">September 30, 2002</date>.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(15). <ref href="/us/pl/107/195/s3/a">Pub. L. 107–195, § 3(a)</ref>, added par. (15).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1997—Subsec. (i)(1). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/2/A">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(2)(A)</ref>, added par. (1) and struck out heading and text of former par. (1). Text read as follows: “If—</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1">“(A) there is more than one application for any initial license or construction permit which will involve a use of the electromagnetic spectrum; and</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1">“(B) the Commission has determined that the use is not described in subsection (j)(2)(A) of this section;</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I33" class="indent0 firstIndent0">then the Commission shall have the authority to grant such license or permit to a qualified applicant through the use of a system of random selection.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (i)(5). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/2/B">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(2)(B)</ref>, added par. (5).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(1), (2). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/1/A">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(A)</ref>, added pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">“(1) <inline class="small-caps">General authority</inline>.—If mutually exclusive applications are accepted for filing for any initial license or construction permit which will involve a use of the electromagnetic spectrum described in paragraph (2), then the Commission shall have the authority, subject to paragraph (10), to grant such license or permit to a qualified applicant through the use of a system of competitive bidding that meets the requirements of this subsection.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">“(2) <inline class="small-caps">Uses to which bidding may apply</inline>.—A use of the electromagnetic spectrum is described in this paragraph if the Commission determines that—</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1">“(A) the principal use of such spectrum will involve, or is reasonably likely to involve, the licensee receiving compensation from subscribers in return for which the licensee—</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2">“(i) enables those subscribers to receive communications signals that are transmitted utilizing frequencies on which the licensee is licensed to operate; or</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2">“(ii) enables those subscribers to transmit directly communications signals utilizing frequencies on which the licensee is licensed to operate; and</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1">“(B) a system of competitive bidding will promote the objectives described in paragraph (3).”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(3). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/1/B/i">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(B)(i)</ref>, inserted after second sentence of introductory provisions “The Commission shall, directly or by contract, provide for the design and conduct (for purposes of testing) of competitive bidding using a contingent combinatorial bidding system that permits prospective bidders to bid on combinations or groups of licenses in a single bid and to enter multiple alternative bids within a single bidding round.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(3)(E). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/1/B/ii">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(B)(ii)</ref>–(iv), added subpar. (E).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(4)(F). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/1/C">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(C)</ref>, added subpar. (F).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(B). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/1/D">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(D)</ref>, struck out “Any funds appropriated to the Commission for fiscal years 1994 through 1998 for the purpose of assigning licenses using random selection under subsection (i) of this section shall be used by the Commission to implement this subsection.” after “quarterly basis.” and inserted at end “No sums may be retained under this subparagraph during any fiscal year beginning after <date date="1998-09-30">September 30, 1998</date>, if the annual report of the Commission under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s154/k">section 154(k) of this title</ref> for the second preceding fiscal year fails to include in the itemized statement required by paragraph (3) of such section a statement of each expenditure made for purposes of conducting competitive bidding under this subsection during such second preceding fiscal year.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(11). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/1/E">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(E)</ref>, substituted “2007” for “1998”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(13)(F). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/1/F">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(F)</ref>, substituted “<date date="1997-08-05">August 5, 1997</date>” for “<date date="1998-09-30">September 30, 1998</date>”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(14). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3003">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3003</ref>, added par. (14).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (<i>l</i>). <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/s3002/a/3">Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(3)</ref>, added subsec. (<i>l</i>).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1996—Subsec. (b)(2)(A) to (G). <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/s403/j">Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(j)</ref>, redesignated subpars. (B) to (G) as (A) to (F), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “fixed point-to-point microwave stations (exclusive of control and relay stations used as integral parts of mobile radio systems),”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (d). <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/s204/a/2">Pub. L. 104–104, § 204(a)(2)</ref>, inserted “(or subsection (k) in the case of renewal of any broadcast station license)” after “with subsection (a)” wherever appearing.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(B). <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/s710/c">Pub. L. 104–104, § 710(c)</ref>, inserted at end “Such offsetting collections are authorized to remain available until expended.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(8)(C). <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/s707/a">Pub. L. 104–104, § 707(a)</ref>, added subpar. (C).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (k). <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/s204/a/1">Pub. L. 104–104, § 204(a)(1)</ref>, added subsec. (k).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1994—Subsec. (c)(2)(F). <ref href="/us/pl/103/414/s303/a/16">Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(16)</ref>, substituted “section 325(c)” for “section 325(b)”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (i)(4)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/103/414/s304/a/9">Pub. L. 103–414, § 304(a)(9)</ref>, which directed substitution of “The Commission shall” for “The commission, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Communications Technical Amendments Act of 1982, shall”, was executed by making the substitution for “The Commission, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Communications Amendments Act of 1982, shall”, which for purposes of codification had been translated as “The Commission, not later than 180 days after <date date="1982-09-13">September 13, 1982</date>, shall”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/103/414/s303/a/17">Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(17)</ref>. See below.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><ref href="/us/pl/103/414/s303/a/17">Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(17)</ref>, substituted “date of the enactment of the Communications Amendments Act of 1982” for “date of the enactment of the Communications Technical Amendments Act of 1982”, which for purposes of codification had been translated as “<date date="1982-09-13">September 13, 1982</date>”, thus resulting in no change in text.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j)(13). <ref href="/us/pl/103/465">Pub. L. 103–465</ref> added par. (13).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1993—Subsec. (i). <ref href="/us/pl/103/66/s6002/b/1">Pub. L. 103–66, § 6002(b)(1)</ref>, inserted subsec. heading, added par. (1), struck out former par. (1), and in par. (4), added subpar. (C). Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “If there is more than one application for any initial license or construction permit which will involve any use of the electromagnetic spectrum, then the Commission, after determining that each such application is acceptable for filing, shall have authority to grant such license or permit to a qualified applicant through the use of a system of random selection.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (j). <ref href="/us/pl/103/66/s6002/a">Pub. L. 103–66, § 6002(a)</ref>, added subsec. (j).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1984—Subsec. (h). <ref href="/us/pl/98/549">Pub. L. 98–549</ref> substituted “section 706” for “section 606” in the original to accommodate renumbering of sections in subchapter VI (section 601 et seq.) of this chapter by <ref href="/us/pl/98/549/s6/a">section 6(a) of Pub. L. 98–549</ref>. Because both sections translate as “<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s606">section 606 of this title</ref>”, the amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/98/549/s6/b/1">section 6(b)(1) of Pub. L. 98–549</ref> resulted in no change in text.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1982—Subsec. (f). <ref href="/us/pl/97/259/s114">Pub. L. 97–259, § 114</ref>, substituted “temporary” for “emergency” wherever appearing, “additional periods” for “one additional period”, and “180 days” for “ninety days” wherever appearing.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (i)(1). <ref href="/us/pl/97/259/s115/a">Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(a)</ref>, substituted “application” for “applicant” after “more than one”, and “that each such application is acceptable for filing” for “the qualifications of each such applicant under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308/b">section 308(b) of this title</ref>”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (i)(2). <ref href="/us/pl/97/259/s115/b">Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(b)</ref>, amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “The determination of the Commission under paragraph (1) with respect to the qualifications of applicants for an initial license or construction permit shall be made after notice and opportunity for a hearing, except that the provisions of <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s409/c/2">section 409(c)(2) of this title</ref> shall not apply in the case of any such determination.”</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (i)(3)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/97/259/s115/c/1">Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(c)(1)</ref>, substituted “used for granting licenses or construction permits for any media of mass communications, significant preferences will be granted to applicants or groups of applicants, the grant to which of the license or permit would increase the diversification of ownership of the media of mass communications. To further diversify the ownership of the media of mass communications, an additional significant preference shall be granted to any applicant controlled by a member or members of a minority group” for “, groups or organizations, or members of groups or organizations, which are underrepresented in the ownership of telecommunications facilities or properties will be granted significant preferences”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (i)(3)(C). <ref href="/us/pl/97/259/s115/c/2">Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(c)(2)</ref>, added subpar. (C).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (i)(4)(A). <ref href="/us/pl/97/259/s115/d">Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(d)</ref>, substituted “<date date="1982-09-13">September 13, 1982</date>,” for “<date date="1981-08-13">August 13, 1981</date>,”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1981—Subsec. (i). <ref href="/us/pl/97/35">Pub. L. 97–35</ref> added subsec. (i).</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1964—Subsec. (c)(2)(G). <ref href="/us/pl/88/307">Pub. L. 88–307</ref> inserted “not to exceed sixty days”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Subsec. (e). <ref href="/us/pl/88/306">Pub. L. 88–306</ref> substituted “not more than thirty days after publication of the hearing issues or any substantial amendment thereto in the Federal Register” for “at any time not less than ten days prior to the date of hearing”.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1960—<ref href="/us/pl/86/752">Pub. L. 86–752</ref> amended section generally to revise pre-grant procedure, and, among other changes, a public notice was substituted for a mandatory notice to applicants and interested parties before hearings upon applications; the Commission was required to hold applications for 30 days before acting upon them without hearings; interested parties were permitted to file petitions to deny applications before the Commission acted upon them without hearings, in lieu of 30 days after applications were granted; interested parties were required to support their petitions with “specific” allegations of fact; the Commission was permitted to dispense with formal hearings when there are “no substantial or material questions of fact,” subject to a requirement that it issue a “concise statement of the reasons” for its action.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1956—Subsec. (c). Act <date date="1956-01-20">Jan. 20, 1956</date>, struck out hearings with respect to facts which, even if true, would not be grounds for setting aside the Commission’s grant; gave the Commission discretion to keep in effect the protested authorization but required the Commission to affirmatively find and set forth that the public interest requires grant to remain in effect; and authorized Commission to redraft issues urged by protestant in accordance with the facts alleged in the protest.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1954—Subsec. (c). Act <date date="1954-03-26">Mar. 26, 1954</date>, substituted “thirty days” for “fifteen days” in fourth sentence.</p>
<p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">1952—Act <date date="1952-07-16">July 16, 1952</date>, amended section generally to set forth procedure to be followed in cases of denial of applications.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" role="crossHeading" topic="statutoryNotes" id="id0ec8551c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered"><b>Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries</b></heading></note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id0ec8551d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 2018 Amendment</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/s101/b">section 101(b) of Pub. L. 115–141</ref> effective <date date="2018-10-01">Oct. 1, 2018</date>, see <ref href="/us/pl/115/141/dP/s103">section 103 of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141</ref>, set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s156">section 156 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id0ec8551e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 1997 Amendment</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/105/33/tIII/s3002/a/5">Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3002(a)(5)</ref>, <date date="1997-08-05">Aug. 5, 1997</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/111/260">111 Stat. 260</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/105/33/tIII/s3002/a/5">“Except as otherwise provided therein, the amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] are effective on <date date="1997-07-01">July 1, 1997</date>.”</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id0ec8551f-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 1996 Amendment</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/s204/a">section 204(a) of Pub. L. 104–104</ref> applicable to applications filed after <date date="1995-05-01">May 1, 1995</date>, see <ref href="/us/pl/104/104/s204/c">section 204(c) of Pub. L. 104–104</ref>, set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308">section 308 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id0ec85520-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 1984 Amendment</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">Amendment by <ref href="/us/pl/98/549">Pub. L. 98–549</ref> effective 60 days after <date date="1984-10-30">Oct. 30, 1984</date>, except where otherwise expressly provided, see <ref href="/us/pl/98/549/s9/a">section 9(a) of Pub. L. 98–549</ref>, set out as a note under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s521">section 521 of this title</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="effectiveDateOfAmendment" id="id0ec85521-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Effective Date of 1960 Amendment</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/86/752/s4/d/1">Pub. L. 86–752, § 4(d)(1)</ref>–(3), <date date="1960-09-13">Sept. 13, 1960</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/74/892">74 Stat. 892</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/86/752/s4/d/1">
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> Subsections (a) and (b) of this section [amending this section and <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s319">section 319 of this title</ref>] shall take effect ninety days after the date of the enactment of this Act [<date date="1960-09-13">Sept. 13, 1960</date>].</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> Section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934 [this section] (as amended by subsection (a) of this section) shall apply to any application to which section 308 of such Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308">section 308 of this title</ref>] applies (A) which is filed on or after the effective date of subsection (a) of this section, (B) which is filed before such effective date, but is substantially amended on or after such effective date, or (C) which is filed before such effective date and is not substantially amended on or after such effective date, but with respect to which the Commission by rule provides reasonable opportunity to file petitions to deny in accordance with section 309 of such Act (as amended by subsection (a) of this section) [this section].</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> Section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934 [this section], as in effect immediately before the effective date of subsection (a) of this section, shall, on and after such effective date, apply only to applications to which section 308 of such Act [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s308">section 308 of this title</ref>] apply which are filed before such effective date and not substantially amended on or after such effective date and with respect to which the Commission does not permit petitions to deny to be filed as provided in clause (C) of paragraph (2) of this subsection.”</content>
</paragraph>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ec87c32-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Digital Television Transition and Public Safety</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/111/4/s4">Pub. L. 111–4, § 4</ref>, <date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/123/113">123 Stat. 113</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/111/4/s4">
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Permissive Early Termination Under Existing Requirements</inline>.—</heading><content>Nothing in this Act [amending this section and <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s337">section 337 of this title</ref>, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s609">section 609 of this title</ref>, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] is intended to prevent a licensee of a television broadcast station from terminating the broadcasting of such station’s analog television signal (and continuing to broadcast exclusively in the digital television service) prior to the date established by law under section 3002(b) of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 [<ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/b">section 3002(b) of Pub. L. 109–171</ref>, set out below] for termination of all licenses for full-power television stations in the analog television service (as amended by section 2 of this Act) so long as such prior termination is conducted in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission’s requirements in effect on the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>], including the flexible procedures established in the Matter of Third Periodic Review of the Commission’s Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital Television (FCC 07–228, MB Docket No. 07–91, released <date date="2007-12-31">December 31, 2007</date>).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Public Safety Radio Services</inline>.—</heading><content>Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall prevent a public safety service licensee from commencing operations consistent with the terms of its license on spectrum recovered as a result of the voluntary cessation of broadcasting in the analog or digital television service pursuant to subsection (a). Any such public safety use shall be subject to the relevant Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations in effect on the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>], including section 90.545 of the Commission’s rules (47 C.F.R. § 90.545).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Expedited Rulemaking</inline>.—</heading><content>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration shall, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>], each adopt or revise its rules, regulations, or orders or take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to implement the provisions, and carry out the purposes, of this Act and the amendments made by this Act.”</content>
</subsection>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p><ref href="/us/pl/110/459">Pub. L. 110–459</ref>, <date date="2008-12-23">Dec. 23, 2008</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/122/5121">122 Stat. 5121</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/110/459">
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="1">“SECTION 1.</num><heading> SHORT TITLE.</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">“This Act may be cited as the ‘Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act’.</p>
</content>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="2">“SEC. 2.</num><heading> COMMISSION ACTION REQUIRED.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Program Required</inline>.—</heading><content>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal Communications Commission shall, not later than <date date="2009-01-15">January 15, 2009</date>, develop and implement a program to encourage and permit, to the extent technically feasible and subject to such limitations as the Commission finds to be consistent with the public interest and the requirements of this Act, the broadcasting in the analog television service of only the public safety information and digital transition information specified in subsection (b) during the 30-day period beginning on the day after the date established by law under section 3002(b) of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 [<ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3002/b">section 3002(b) of Pub. L. 109–171</ref>, set out below] for termination of all licenses for full-power television stations in the analog television service and the cessation of broadcasting by full-power stations in the analog television service.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Information required</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The program required by subsection (a) shall provide for the broadcast of—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> emergency information, including critical details regarding the emergency, as broadcast or required to be broadcast by full-power stations in the digital television service;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><chapeau> information, in both English and Spanish, and accessible to persons with disabilities, concerning—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> the digital television transition, including the fact that a transition has taken place and that additional action is required to continue receiving television service, including emergency notifications; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> the steps required to enable viewers to receive such emergency information via the digital television service and to convert to receiving digital television service, including a phone number and Internet address by which help with such transition may be obtained in both English and Spanish; and</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> such other information related to consumer education about the digital television transition or public health and safety or emergencies as the Commission may find to be consistent with the public interest.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3">“SEC. 3.</num><heading> LIMITATIONS.</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">“In designing the program required by this Act, the Commission shall—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> take into account market-by-market needs, based upon factors such as channel and transmitter availability;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> ensure that broadcasting of the program specified in section 2(b) will not cause harmful interference with signals in the digital television service;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> not require the analog television service signals broadcast under this Act to be retransmitted or otherwise carried pursuant to section 325(b), 338, 339, 340, 614, or 615 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s325/b">47 U.S.C. 325(b)</ref>, 338, 339, 340, 614 [534], or 615 [535]);</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> take into consideration broadcasters’ digital power levels and transition and coordination plans that already have been adopted with respect to cable systems and satellite carriers’ systems;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> prohibit any broadcast of analog television service signals under section 2(b) on any spectrum that is approved or pending approval by the Commission to be used for public safety radio services, including television channels 14-20; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="6">“(6)</num><content> not include the analog spectrum between channels 52 and 69, inclusive (between frequencies 698 and 806 megahertz, inclusive) reclaimed from analog television broadcasting pursuant to section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j">47 U.S.C. 309(j)</ref>).</content>
</paragraph>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="4">“SEC. 4.</num><heading> DEFINITIONS.</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">“As used in this Act, the term ‘emergency information’ has the meaning such term has under part 79 of the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (47 C.F.R. part 79).”</p>
</content>
</section>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p><ref href="/us/pl/109/171/tIII">Pub. L. 109–171, title III</ref>, <date date="2006-02-08">Feb. 8, 2006</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/120/21">120 Stat. 21</ref>, as amended by <ref href="/us/pl/110/53/tXXII/s2201/a">Pub. L. 110–53, title XXII, § 2201(a)</ref>, title XXIII, § 2302, <date date="2007-08-03">Aug. 3, 2007</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/121/537">121 Stat. 537</ref>, 543; <ref href="/us/pl/110/295/s2">Pub. L. 110–295, § 2</ref>, <date date="2008-07-30">July 30, 2008</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/122/2972">122 Stat. 2972</ref>; <ref href="/us/pl/111/4">Pub. L. 111–4</ref>, §§ 2(a), (b)(1), 3(a)–(c), <date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/123/112">123 Stat. 112</ref>, 113, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/111/4">
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3001">“SEC. 3001.</num><heading> SHORT TITLE; DEFINITION.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Short Title</inline>.—</heading><content>This title may be cited as the ‘Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005’.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Definition</inline>.—</heading><content>As used in this Act [probably should be “this title”], the term ‘Assistant Secretary’ means the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the Department of Commerce.</content>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3002">“SEC. 3002.</num><heading> ANALOG SPECTRUM RECOVERY: FIRM DEADLINE.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Amendments</inline>.—</heading><note topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ec91873-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f">
<p>[Amended this section.]</p></note>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Terminations of Analog Licenses and Broadcasting</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Federal Communications Commission shall take such actions as are necessary—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> to terminate all licenses for full-power television stations in the analog television service, and to require the cessation of broadcasting by full-power stations in the analog television service, by <date date="2009-06-13">June 13, 2009</date>; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> to require by that date that all broadcasting by Class A stations, whether in the analog television service or digital television service, and all broadcasting by full-power stations in the digital television service, occur only on channels between channels 2 and 36, inclusive, or 38 and 51, inclusive (between frequencies 54 and 698 megahertz, inclusive).</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Conforming Amendments</inline>.—</heading><note topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ec91874-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f">
<p>[Amended <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s337">section 337 of this title</ref>.]</p></note>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3003">“SEC. 3003.</num><heading> AUCTION OF RECOVERED SPECTRUM.</heading><note topic="miscellaneous" style="-uslm-lc:I21" id="id0ec93f85-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f">
<p class="indent0">[Amended this section.]</p></note>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3004">“SEC. 3004.</num><heading> RESERVATION OF AUCTION PROCEEDS.</heading><note topic="miscellaneous" style="-uslm-lc:I21" id="id0ec93f86-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f">
<p class="indent0">[Amended this section.]</p></note>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3005">“SEC. 3005.</num><heading> DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER BOX PROGRAM.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Creation of Program</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Assistant Secretary shall—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> implement and administer a program through which households in the United States may obtain coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> make payments of not to exceed $990,000,000, in the aggregate, through fiscal year 2009 to carry out that program from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>).</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Credit</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary may borrow from the Treasury beginning on <date date="2006-10-01">October 1, 2006</date>, such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $1,500,000,000, to implement this section. The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Program Specifications.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Limitations.—</inline></heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Two-per-household maximum</inline>.—</heading><content>A household may obtain coupons by making a request as required by the regulations under this section between <date date="2008-01-01">January 1, 2008</date>, and <date date="2009-07-31">July 31, 2009</date>, inclusive. The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that each requesting household redeems no more than two coupons.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">No combinations of coupons</inline>.—</heading><content>Two coupons may not be used in combination toward the purchase of a single digital-to-analog converter box.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Duration</inline>.—</heading><content>All coupons shall expire 3 months after issuance.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="D">“(D)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Expired coupons</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary may issue to a household, upon request by the household, one replacement coupon for each coupon that was issued to such household and that expired without being redeemed.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Distribution of coupons</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Assistant Secretary shall expend not more than $100,000,000 on administrative expenses and shall ensure that the sum of—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> all administrative expenses for the program, including not more than $5,000,000 for consumer education concerning the digital television transition and the availability of the digital-to-analog converter box program; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> the total maximum value of all the coupons redeemed, and issued but not expired, does not exceed $990,000,000.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Use of additional amount</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>If the Assistant Secretary transmits to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a statement certifying that the sum permitted to be expended under paragraph (2) will be insufficient to fulfill the requests for coupons from eligible households—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><chapeau> paragraph (2) shall be applied—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="i">“(i)</num><content> by substituting ‘$160,000,000’ for ‘$100,000,000’; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="ii">“(ii)</num><content> by substituting ‘$1,500,000,000’ for ‘$990,000,000’;</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> subsection (a)(2) shall be applied by substituting ‘$1,500,000,000’ for ‘$990,000,000’; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> the additional amount permitted to be expended shall be available 60 days after the Assistant Secretary sends such statement.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Coupon value</inline>.—</heading><content>The value of each coupon shall be $40.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="d">“(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Definition of Digital-to-Analog Converter Box</inline>.—</heading><content>For purposes of this section, the term ‘digital-to-analog converter box’ means a stand-alone device that does not contain features or functions except those necessary to enable a consumer to convert any channel broadcast in the digital television service into a format that the consumer can display on television receivers designed to receive and display signals only in the analog television service, but may also include a remote control device.</content>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3006">“SEC. 3006.</num><heading> PUBLIC SAFETY INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Creation of Program</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><chapeau> may take such administrative action as is necessary to establish and implement—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><chapeau> a grant program to assist public safety agencies in the planning and coordination associated with, the acquisition of, deployment of, or training for the use of interoperable communications equipment, software and systems that—</chapeau><clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="i">“(i)</num><content> utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for radio communication;</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="ii">“(ii)</num><content> enable interoperability with communications systems that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for radio communication; or</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-lc:I24" class="indent3"><num value="iii">“(iii)</num><content> otherwise improve or advance the interoperability of public safety communications systems that utilize other public safety spectrum bands; and</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> are used to establish and implement [sic] a strategic technology reserve to pre-position or secure interoperable communications in advance for immediate deployment in an emergency or major disaster;</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> shall make payments of not to exceed $1,000,000,000, in the aggregate, through fiscal year 2010 from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>) to carry out the grant program established under paragraph (1), of which at least $75,000,000, in the aggregate, shall be used for purposes described in paragraph (1)(B); and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> shall permit any funds allocated for use under paragraph (1)(B) to be used for purposes identified under paragraph (1)(A), if the public safety agency demonstrates that it has already implemented such a strategic technology reserve or demonstrates higher priority public safety communications needs.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Eligibility</inline>.—</heading><content>To be eligible for assistance under the grant program established under subparagraph (a)(1)(A), an applicant shall submit an application, at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Assistant Secretary may require, including a detailed explanation of how assistance received under the program would be used to improve communications interoperability and ensure interoperability with other public safety agencies in an emergency or a major disaster.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Criteria for Strategic Technology Reserves.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>In evaluating permitted uses under subparagraph (a)(1)(B), the Assistant Secretary shall consider the continuing technological evolution of communications technologies and devices, with its implicit risk of obsolescence, and shall ensure, to the maximum extent feasible, that a substantial part of the reserve involves prenegotiated contracts and other arrangements for rapid deployment of equipment, supplies, and systems (and communications service related to such equipment, supplies, and systems), rather than the warehousing or storage of equipment and supplies currently available at the time the reserve is established.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Requirements and characteristics</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Funds provided to meet uses described in paragraph (1) shall be used in support of reserves that—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> are capable of re-establishing communications when existing critical infrastructure is damaged or destroyed in an emergency or a major disaster;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> include appropriate current, widely-used equipment, such as Land Mobile Radio Systems, cellular telephones and satellite-enabled equipment (and related communications service), Cells-On-Wheels, Cells-On-Light-Trucks, or other self-contained mobile cell sites that can be towed, backup batteries, generators, fuel, and computers;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="C">“(C)</num><content> include equipment on hand for the Governor of each State, key emergency response officials, and appropriate State or local personnel;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="D">“(D)</num><content> include contracts (including prenegotiated contracts) for rapid delivery of the most current technology available from commercial sources; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="E">“(E)</num><content> include arrangements for training to ensure that personnel are familiar with the operation of the equipment and devices to be delivered pursuant to such contracts.</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Additional characteristics</inline>.—</heading><content>Portions of the reserve may be virtual and may include items donated on an in-kind contribution basis.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Allocation of funds</inline>.—</heading><content>In evaluating permitted uses under subparagraph (a)(1)(B), the Assistant Secretary shall take into account barriers to immediate deployment, including time and distance, that may slow the rapid deployment of equipment, supplies, and systems (and communications service related to such equipment, supplies, and systems) in the event of an emergency in any State.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="d">“(d)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Voluntary Consensus Standards</inline>.—</heading><content>In carrying out this section, the Assistant Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall identify and, if necessary, encourage the development and implementation of, voluntary consensus standards for interoperable communications systems to the greatest extent practicable, but shall not require any such standard.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="e">“(e)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Inspector General Report and Audits.—</inline></heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Report</inline>.—</heading><content>Beginning with the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 [<date date="2007-08-03">Aug. 3, 2007</date>], the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce shall conduct an annual assessment of the management of the grant program implemented under subsection (a)(1) and transmit a report containing the findings of that assessment and any recommendations related thereto to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Audits</inline>.—</heading><content>Beginning with the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce shall conduct financial audits of entities receiving grants from the program implemented under subsection (a)(1), and shall ensure that, over the course of 4 years, such audits cover recipients in a representative sample of not fewer than 25 States or territories. The results of any such audits shall be made publicly available via web site, subject to redaction as the Inspector General determines necessary to protect classified and other sensitive information.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="f">“(f)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Rule of Construction</inline>.—</heading><content>Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to preclude the use of funds under this section by any public safety agency for interim- or long-term Internet Protocol-based interoperable solutions.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="h">“(h)[(g)]</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Credit</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary may borrow from the Treasury beginning on <date date="2006-10-01">October 1, 2006</date>, such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $1,000,000,000, to implement this section. The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="i">“(i)[(h)]</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Condition of Grants</inline>.—</heading><content>In order to obtain a grant under the grant program, a public safety agency shall agree to provide, from non-Federal sources, not less than 20 percent of the costs of acquiring and deploying the interoperable communications systems funded under the grant program.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="j">“(j)[(i)]</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For purposes of this section:</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Public safety agency</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘public safety agency’ means any State, local, or tribal government entity, or nongovernmental organization authorized by such entity, whose sole or principal purpose is to protect the safety of life, health, or property.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Interoperable communications systems</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘interoperable communications systems’ means communications systems which enable public safety agencies to share information amongst local, State, Federal, and tribal public safety agencies in the same area via voice or data signals.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3007">“SEC. 3007.</num><heading> NYC 9/11 DIGITAL TRANSITION.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Funds Available</inline>.—</heading><content>From the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>) the Assistant Secretary shall make payments of not to exceed $30,000,000, in the aggregate, which shall be available to carry out this section for fiscal years 2007 through 2008. The Assistant Secretary may borrow from the Treasury beginning <date date="2006-10-01">October 1, 2006</date>, such sums as may be necessary not to exceed $30,000,000 to implement and administer the program in accordance with this section. The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Use of Funds</inline>.—</heading><content>The sums available under subsection (a) shall be made available by the Assistant Secretary by grant to be used to reimburse the Metropolitan Television Alliance for costs incurred in the design and deployment of a temporary digital television broadcast system to ensure that, until a permanent facility atop the Freedom Tower is constructed, the members of the Metropolitan Television Alliance can provide the New York City area with an adequate digital television signal as determined by the Federal Communications Commission.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For purposes of this section:</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Metropolitan television alliance</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘Metropolitan Television Alliance’ means the organization formed by New York City television broadcast station licensees to locate new shared facilities as a result of the attacks on <date date="2001-09-11">September 11, 2001</date> and the loss of use of shared facilities that housed broadcast equipment.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">New york city area</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘New York City area’ means the five counties comprising New York City and counties of northern New Jersey in immediate proximity to New York City (Bergen, Essex, Union, and Hudson Counties).</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3008">“SEC. 3008.</num><heading> LOW-POWER TELEVISION AND TRANSLATOR DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERSION.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Creation of Program</inline>.—</heading><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary shall make payments of not to exceed $10,000,000, in the aggregate, during the fiscal year 2008 and 2009 period from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>) to implement and administer a program through which each eligible low-power television station may receive compensation toward the cost of the purchase of a digital-to-analog conversion device that enables it to convert the incoming digital signal of its corresponding full-power television station to analog format for transmission on the low-power television station’s analog channel. An eligible low-power television station may receive such compensation only if it submits a request for such compensation on or before <date date="2009-06-12">June 12, 2009</date>. Priority compensation shall be given to eligible low-power television stations in which the license is held by a non-profit corporation and eligible low-power television stations that serve rural areas of fewer than 10,000 viewers.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Use of funds</inline>.—</heading><content>As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the DTV Transition Assistance Act [<date date="2008-07-30">July 30, 2008</date>], the Assistant Secretary shall make a determination, which the Assistant Secretary may adjust from time to time, with respect to whether the full amount provided under paragraph (1) will be needed for payments under that paragraph. If the Assistant Secretary determines that the full amount will not be needed for payments authorized by paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary may use the remaining amount for consumer education and technical assistance regarding the digital television transition and the availability of the digital-to-analog converter box program (in addition to any amounts expended for such purpose under [section] 3005(c)(2)(A) of this title), including partnering with, providing grants to, and contracting with non-profit organizations or public interest groups in achieving these efforts. If the Assistant Secretary initiates such an education program, the Assistant Secretary shall develop a plan to address the educational and technical assistance needs of vulnerable populations, such as senior citizens, individuals residing in rural and remote areas, and minorities, including, where appropriate, education plans focusing on the need for analog pass-through digital converter boxes in areas served by low power or translator stations, and shall consider the speed with which these objectives can be accomplished to the greatest public benefit.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Credit</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary may borrow from the Treasury beginning <date date="2006-10-01">October 1, 2006</date>, such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $10,000,000, to implement this section. The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Eligible Stations</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For purposes of this section, the term ‘eligible low-power television station’ means a low-power television broadcast station, Class A television station, television translator station, or television booster station—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> that is itself broadcasting exclusively in analog format; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> that has not purchased a digital-to-analog conversion device prior to the date of enactment of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 [<date date="2006-02-08">Feb. 8, 2006</date>].</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3009">“SEC. 3009.</num><heading> LOW-POWER TELEVISION AND TRANSLATOR UPGRADE PROGRAM.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Establishment</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary shall make payments of not to exceed $65,000,000, in the aggregate, during fiscal years 2009 through 2012 from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>) to implement and administer a program through which each licensee of an eligible low-power television station may receive reimbursement for equipment to upgrade low-power television stations from analog to digital in eligible rural communities, as that term is defined in section 610(b)(2) [601(b)(2)] of the Rural Electrification Act of 1937 [1936] (<ref href="/us/usc/t7/s950bb/b/2">7 U.S.C. 950bb(b)(2)</ref>). Such reimbursements shall be issued to eligible stations on or after <date date="2009-02-18">February 18, 2009</date>. Priority reimbursements shall be given to eligible low-power television stations in which the license is held by a non-profit corporation and eligible low-power television stations that serve rural areas of fewer than 10,000 viewers.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Eligible Stations</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For purposes of this section, the term ‘eligible low-power television station’ means a low-power television broadcast station, Class A television station, television translator station, or television booster station—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> that is itself broadcasting exclusively in analog format; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> that has not converted from analog to digital operations prior to the date of enactment of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 [<date date="2006-02-08">Feb. 8, 2006</date>].</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3010">“SEC. 3010.</num><heading> NATIONAL ALERT AND TSUNAMI WARNING PROGRAM.</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">“The Assistant Secretary shall make payments of not to exceed $156,000,000, in the aggregate, during the fiscal year 2007 through 2012 period from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>) to implement a unified national alert system capable of alerting the public, on a national, regional, or local basis to emergency situations by using a variety of communications technologies. The Assistant Secretary shall use $50,000,000 of such amounts to implement a tsunami warning and coastal vulnerability program.</p>
</content>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3011">“SEC. 3011.</num><heading> ENHANCE 911.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary shall make payments of not to exceed $43,500,000, in the aggregate, from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>) to implement the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 [title I of <ref href="/us/pl/108/494">Pub. L. 108–494</ref>, see Short Title of 2004 Amendment note set out under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s901">section 901 of this title</ref>].</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Credit</inline>.—</heading><content>The Assistant Secretary may borrow from the Treasury, upon enactment of the 911 Modernization Act [<date date="2007-08-03">Aug. 3, 2007</date>], such sums as necessary, but not to exceed $43,500,000, to implement this section. The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.</content>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3012">“SEC. 3012.</num><heading> ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE PROGRAM.</heading><subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="a">“(a)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>If the amount appropriated to carry out the essential air service program under subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, equals or exceeds $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 or 2008, then the Secretary of Commerce shall make $15,000,000 available, from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established by section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>), to the Secretary of Transportation for use in carrying out the essential air service program for that fiscal year.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="b">“(b)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Application With Other Funds</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Amounts made available under subsection (a) for any fiscal year shall be in addition to any amounts—</chapeau><paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> appropriated for that fiscal year; or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> derived from fees collected pursuant to <ref href="/us/usc/t49/s45301/a/1">section 45301(a)(1) of title 49</ref>, United States Code, that are made available for obligation and expenditure to carry out the essential air service program for that fiscal year.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="c">“(c)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">Advances</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary of Transportation may borrow from the Treasury such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $30,000,000 on a temporary and reimbursable basis to implement subsection (a). The Secretary of Transportation shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, as funds are deposited into the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8/E">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)</ref>) and made available to the Secretary under subsection (a).</content>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-lc:I580467"><num value="3013">“SEC. 3013.</num><heading> SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE FEES.</heading><content><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0">“In addition to any fees assessed under the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s151">47 U.S.C. 151</ref> et seq.), the Federal Communications Commission shall assess extraordinary fees for licenses in the aggregate amount of $10,000,000, which shall be deposited in the Treasury during fiscal year 2006 as offsetting receipts.”</p>
</content>
</section>
</quotedContent>
</p>
<p>[<ref href="/us/pl/111/4/s3/d">Pub. L. 111–4, § 3(d)</ref>, <date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/123/113">123 Stat. 113</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/111/4/s3/d">“The amendments made by this section [amending <ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3005/c/1">section 3005(c)(1) of Pub. L. 109–171</ref>, set out above] shall not take effect until the enactment of additional budget authority after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="2009-02-11">Feb. 11, 2009</date>] to carry out the analog-to-digital converter box program under section 3005 of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 [<ref href="/us/pl/109/171/s3005">section 3005 of Pub. L. 109–171</ref>, set out above].”</quotedContent>
]</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecaed37-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Findings</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/107/195/s2">Pub. L. 107–195, § 2</ref>, <date date="2002-06-19">June 19, 2002</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/116/715">116 Stat. 715</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/107/195/s2">
<inline>“Congress finds the following:</inline>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> Circumstances in the telecommunications market have changed dramatically since the auctioning of spectrum in the 700 megahertz band was originally mandated by Congress in 1997, raising serious questions as to whether the original deadlines, or the subsequent revision of the deadlines, are consistent with sound telecommunications policy and spectrum management principles.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> No comprehensive plan yet exists for allocating additional spectrum for third-generation wireless and other advanced communications services. The Federal Communications Commission should have the flexibility to auction frequencies in the 700 megahertz band for such purposes.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="3">“(3)</num><content> The study being conducted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in consultation with the Department of Defense to determine whether the Department of Defense can share or relinquish additional spectrum for third generation wireless and other advanced communications services will not be completed until after the June 19th auction date for the upper 700 megahertz band, and long after the applications must be filed to participate in the auction, thereby creating further uncertainty as to whether the frequencies in the 700 megahertz band will be put to their highest and best use for the benefit of consumers.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="4">“(4)</num><content> The Federal Communications Commission is also in the process of determining how to resolve the interference problems that exist in the 800 megahertz band, especially for public safety. One option being considered for the 800 megahertz band would involve the 700 megahertz band. The Commission should not hold the 700 megahertz auction before the 800 megahertz interference issues are resolved or a tenable plan has been conceived.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="5">“(5)</num><content> The 700 megahertz band is currently occupied by television broadcasters, and will be so until the transfer to digital television is completed. This situation creates a tremendous amount of uncertainty concerning when the spectrum will be available and reduces the value placed on the spectrum by potential bidders. The encumbrance of the 700 megahertz band reduces both the amount of money that the auction would be likely to produce and the probability that the spectrum would be purchased by the entities that valued the spectrum the most and would put the spectrum to its most productive use.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="6">“(6)</num><chapeau> The Commission’s rules governing voluntary mechanisms for vacating the 700 megahertz band by broadcast stations—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> produced no certainty that the band would be available for advanced mobile communications services, public safety operations, or other wireless services any earlier than the existing statutory framework provides; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I23" class="indent2"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> should advance the transition of digital television and must not result in the unjust enrichment of any incumbent licensee.”</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecb3b58-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Compliance With Auction Authority</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/107/195/s4">Pub. L. 107–195, § 4</ref>, <date date="2002-06-19">June 19, 2002</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/116/717">116 Stat. 717</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/107/195/s4">“The Federal Communications Commission shall conduct rescheduled auctions 31 and 44 prior to the expiration of the auction authority under section 309(j)(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/11">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(11)</ref>).”</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecb3b59-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Preservation of Broadcaster Obligations</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/107/195/s5">Pub. L. 107–195, § 5</ref>, <date date="2002-06-19">June 19, 2002</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/116/717">116 Stat. 717</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/107/195/s5">“Nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 2002 Amendment note set out under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s609">section 609 of this title</ref>] shall be construed to relieve television broadcast station licensees of the obligation to complete the digital television service conversion as required by section 309(j)(14) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/14">47 U.S.C. 309(j)(14)</ref>).”</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecb3b5a-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Deadline for Collection</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><ref href="/us/pl/105/33/tIII/s3007">Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3007</ref>, <date date="1997-08-05">Aug. 5, 1997</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/111/269">111 Stat. 269</ref>, which provided that the Commission was to conduct the competitive bidding required under title III of <ref href="/us/pl/105/33">Pub. L. 105–33</ref>, which enacted <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s337">section 337 of this title</ref>, amended this section and sections 153, 303, and 923 to 925 of this title, enacted provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 153, 254, and 925 of this title, and repealed provisions set out as a note under this section, in a manner that ensured that all proceeds of such bidding would be deposited in accordance with <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j/8">section 309(j)(8) of this title</ref> not later than <date date="2002-09-30">Sept. 30, 2002</date>, was repealed by <ref href="/us/pl/107/195/s3/b/2">Pub. L. 107–195, § 3(b)(2)</ref>, <date date="2002-06-19">June 19, 2002</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/116/717">116 Stat. 717</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecb3b5b-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Administrative Procedures for Spectrum Auctions</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/105/33/tIII/s3008">Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3008</ref>, <date date="1997-08-05">Aug. 5, 1997</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/111/269">111 Stat. 269</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/105/33/tIII/s3008">“Notwithstanding section 309(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/b">47 U.S.C. 309(b)</ref>), no application for an instrument of authorization for frequencies assigned under this title [enacting <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s337">section 337 of this title</ref>, amending this section and sections 153, 303, and 923 to 925 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 153, 254, and 925 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under this section] (or amendments made by this title) shall be granted by the Commission earlier than 7 days following issuance of public notice by the Commission of the acceptance for filing of such application or of any substantial amendment thereto. Notwithstanding section 309(d)(1) of such Act (<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/d/1">47 U.S.C. 309(d)(1)</ref>), the Commission may specify a period (no less than 5 days following issuance of such public notice) for the filing of petitions to deny any application for an instrument of authorization for such frequencies.”</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecb626c-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Deadlines for Commission Action Regarding Competitive Bidding</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/103/66/tVI/s6002/d/1">Pub. L. 103–66, title VI, § 6002(d)(1)</ref>, (2), <date date="1993-08-10">Aug. 10, 1993</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/107/396">107 Stat. 396</ref>, provided that:<quotedContent origin="/us/pl/103/66/tVI/s6002/d/1">
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="1">“(1)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">General rulemaking</inline>.—</heading><content>The Federal Communications Commission shall prescribe regulations to implement section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 [<ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/j">47 U.S.C. 309(j)</ref>] (as added by this section) within 210 days after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date="1993-08-10">Aug. 10, 1993</date>].</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><num value="2">“(2)</num><heading> <inline class="small-caps">PCS orders and licensing</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Commission shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="A">“(A)</num><content> within 180 days after such date of enactment, issue a final report and order (i) in the matter entitled ‘Redevelopment of Spectrum to Encourage Innovation in the Use of New Telecommunications Technologies’ (ET Docket No. 92–9); and (ii) in the matter entitled ‘Amendment of the Commission’s Rules to Establish New Personal Communications Services’ (GEN Docket No. 90–314; ET Docket No. 92–100); and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="B">“(B)</num><content> within 270 days after such date of enactment, commence issuing licenses and permits in the personal communications service.”</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecb626d-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Special Rule Regarding Subsection (i) Licenses and Permits</heading><p style="-uslm-lc:I21" class="indent0"><ref href="/us/pl/103/66/tVI/s6002/e">Pub. L. 103–66, title VI, § 6002(e)</ref>, <date date="1993-08-10">Aug. 10, 1993</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/107/397">107 Stat. 397</ref>, which provided for exceptions to ban on Federal Communications Commission issuance of licenses and permits under <ref href="/us/usc/t47/s309/i">section 309(i) of this title</ref> after <date date="1993-08-10">Aug. 10, 1993</date>, was repealed by <ref href="/us/pl/105/33/tIII/s3002/a/4">Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3002(a)(4)</ref>, <date date="1997-08-05">Aug. 5, 1997</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/111/260">111 Stat. 260</ref>.</p>
</note>
<note style="-uslm-lc:I74" topic="miscellaneous" id="id0ecb897e-188c-11eb-9054-eff4ebea7f1f"><heading class="centered smallCaps">Authority To Use the System of Random Selection With Respect to Applications for Initial Licenses and Construction Permits</heading><p><ref href="/us/pl/97/35/tXII/s1242/b">Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1242(b)</ref>, <date date="1981-08-13">Aug. 13, 1981</date>, <ref href="/us/stat/95/737">95 Stat. 737</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin="/us/pl/97/35/tXII/s1242/b">
<inline>“The Commission shall have authority to use the system of random selection established by the Commission under section 309(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 [subsec. (i) of this section], as added in subsection (a), with respect to any application for an initial license or construction permit which will involve any use of the electromagnetic spectrum and which—</inline>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="1">“(1)</num><content> is filed with the Commission after the date of the enactment of this Act [<date date="1981-08-13">Aug. 13, 1981</date>]; or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-lc:I22" class="indent1"><num value="2">“(2)</num><content> is pending before the Commission on such date of enactment but has not been designated for hearing on or before such date of enactment.”</content>
</paragraph>
</quotedContent>
</p>
</note>
</notes>
</section>