FUTURE Networks Act
FUTURE Networks Act
Plain Language Summary
# FUTURE Networks Act Summary **What It Does:** The FUTURE Networks Act directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a special task force to study and report on the development of 6G wireless technology—the next generation of mobile networks expected years in the future. The task force would examine industry efforts to establish standards for 6G, explore potential uses and limitations of the technology, and gather public input before publishing its findings. This is essentially a fact-finding mission to help the government understand where 6G development is heading. **Who It Affects:** The bill affects telecommunications companies, tech companies, academic researchers, public interest groups, and government agencies at federal, state, tribal, and local levels—all of whom would be invited to participate on the task force. Ultimately, it could influence how the U.S.
approaches 6G regulation and policy. The bill does include protections to prevent foreign adversaries from influencing the task force. **Current Status:** The bill has already passed the House of Representatives and is moving through the legislative process. The task force itself would have a set timeframe to complete and publish its report with opportunities for public comment along the way.
CRS Official Summary
Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act or the FUTURE Networks ActThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 6G Task Force to report on industry-led efforts to set standards for sixth-generation wireless technology and the possible uses and limitations of such technology, among other topics. The task force must publish and solicit public comment on a draft of the report, and must take such comments into consideration in preparing the final report. Members of the task force must include, to the extent practicable, representatives of companies in the communications industry; public interest organizations or academic institutions; and federal, state, tribal, and local governments (with at least one member representing each level of government). Members are to be selected by the chair of the FCC, and generally may not include representatives of entities owned or controlled by, or subject to the influence of, a foreign adversary, or otherwise deemed to pose a threat to U.S. national security.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.