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HR 9151

Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act

119th Congress Introduced by Troy Carter and 1 co-sponsor

Requires a plan to advance and advocate for U.S. Wi‑Fi/unlicensed tech globally, shaping spectrum policy and countering adversaries ahead of WRC‑27.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9151

Overview

  • Bill: H.R. 9151 (Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act)
  • Session: 119th Congress
  • Status: Introduced in the House on June 4, 2026; referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Foreign Affairs
  • Primary sponsors: Rep. Latta (with Rep. Carter)
  • Purpose: Require the Secretary of Commerce (via the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information) to develop a plan to advance and advocate for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies, including actions related to international spectrum policy and engagement ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC–27) in 2027.

Key Provisions

  • Short Title

    • Designates the act as the “Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act.”

  • Sense of Congress

    • Establishes Wi-Fi, 6G, and satellite technology leadership as a national priority.
    • Declares Wi-Fi as central to the U.S. economy (estimates: $1 trillion annually, with $2.4 trillion projected in 2027).
    • Emphasizes the importance of a global, trusted spectrum ecosystem for U.S. leadership in advanced technologies and telecommunications infrastructure.
    • Stresses the need for coordinated engagement at international fora (notably WRC) to advance U.S. spectrum priorities and counter adversaries’ efforts to undermine unlicensed technologies.
    • Highlights concerns about adversaries (e.g., PRC) influencing spectrum policies to promote untrusted, foreign-controlled infrastructure.
    • Notes the 2027 WRC in Shanghai and calls for timely national technology and spectrum decisions, swift appointment of a U.S. delegation head, and active engagement with allies to support U.S. spectrum priorities.

  • Plan for Advancement of Unlicensed Technologies (Section 3)

    • Definitions:
    • Appropriate congressional committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Senate Foreign Relations; House Energy and Commerce; House Foreign Affairs.
    • Assistant Secretary: Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
    • Commission: Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
    • Plan: The plan described in this section.
    • Unlicensed: Technologies operating without an individual license (per part 15 of Title 47 CFR or successor regulations).
    • Wi-Fi technology: Local area networking technology based on IEEE 802.11 standards, including enabling spectrum access and regulatory frameworks.
    • WRC–27: The 2027 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference.
    • Plan Development and Content:
    • Due within 180 days of enactment.
    • Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary, must coordinate with FCC, State, USTR, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, and other relevant agencies.
    • Prepare and submit a plan to the appropriate congressional committees and publish publicly on the NTIA website.
    • Plan to describe how the U.S. will advance and advocate for global adoption of Wi-Fi and unlicensed technologies, including spectrum allocations and at WRC–27 (notably advocating harmonization of the 5925–7125 MHz band for Wi-Fi/unlicensed use).
    • Include strategies to counter efforts by the PRC and other adversaries to undermine unlicensed technologies.
    • Public input: The Assistant Secretary must seek public comment and consider it when finalizing the Plan.

  • Implementation Report (Section 3(c))

    • Within 90 days after WRC–27 concludes, the Assistant Secretary must report to the appropriate congressional committees on the Plan’s implementation.
    • The report should, where possible, include a mechanism to track progress and be provided in unclassified form (with possible classified annex).

  • Rule of Construction

    • No requirement to disclose classified information, privileged information, or trade secrets.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Federal agencies: Requires coordination between the Secretary of Commerce (and the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information), the FCC, the State Department, USTR, and the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, among others.
  • Wi-Fi and unlicensed technologies: Policy and regulatory emphasis, including spectrum allocation (notably 5925–7125 MHz) and international outreach.
  • International stakeholders: U.S. delegation and allies participating in WRC–27, with a focus on harmonizing spectrum usage and countering adversarial actions.
  • Public: Public input on the Plan is sought; the Plan and subsequent implementation updates are intended to be publicly accessible on the NTIA site.

Timelines and Process

  • Plan Development: Due within 180 days after enactment.
  • Public Input: Secretary to solicit and consider public comments during Plan development.
  • WRC–27 Context: Plan centers on U.S. strategy for WRC–27 (October–November 2027 in Shanghai) and related spectrum priorities.
  • Implementation Report: Due within 90 days after WRC–27 concludes.
  • Format: Plan and implementation report to be provided in unclassified form, with possible classified annexes; no mandatory disclosure of confidential or proprietary information.

Potential Impact

  • Strategic Focus: Elevates Wi-Fi and unlicensed spectrum as a national-security and economic priority.
  • Spectrum Policy: Aims to secure timely decisions and international support for U.S. spectrum priorities; seeks to counterbalance adversaries’ influence at international conferences.
  • Economic Implications: Leverages the economic importance of Wi-Fi to justify national investments and diplomatic efforts to maintain U.S. leadership in high-technology ecosystems.
  • International Diplomacy: Strengthens coordination with allies and a unified U.S. stance ahead of WRC–27.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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