FUTURE Networks Act
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Would direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a '6G Task Force' to study sixth-generation wireless technology standards, potential uses, cybersecurity and supply chain limitations, and how federal, state, local, and tribal governments can best deploy and adopt 6G networks.
The bill is primarily a study and advisory measure — it creates an intergovernmental and industry task force and requires a public report to Congress, but does not itself authorize deployment, spending, or regulation of 6G networks.
What this bill would do
What it would do
The bill would require the FCC to establish a 6G Task Force within 120 days of enactment. The task force would be composed of representatives from the communications industry, public interest organizations or academic institutions, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments — with at least one member from each level of government. All members would be appointed by the FCC Chair. Entities deemed "not trusted" — meaning those owned by, controlled by, or subject to the influence of a foreign adversary, or otherwise found to pose a national security threat — would be excluded from membership.
The task force would be required to publish a draft report within 180 days of its establishment and accept public comments on it. Within one year of establishment, it would submit a final report to Congress covering the status of industry-led 6G standards efforts, possible uses and limitations of the technology (including cybersecurity and supply chain concerns), and how governments at all levels can best leverage 6G for siting, deployment, and adoption. The bill would not itself regulate 6G technology, allocate spectrum, or appropriate funds.
Key provisions
- 1Would require the FCC to establish a 6G Task Force within 120 days of enactment, with members appointed by the FCC Chair.
- 2Would compose the task force of communications industry representatives, public interest or academic representatives, and at least one representative from each of federal, state, local, and tribal governments.
- 3Would exclude from membership any entity the FCC Chair determines is owned, controlled, or influenced by a foreign adversary or poses a national security threat.
- 4Would require the task force to publish a draft report in the Federal Register within 180 days of establishment and accept public comments.
- 5Would require a final report to Congress within one year of establishment, covering 6G standards progress, potential uses, cybersecurity and supply chain limitations, and strategies for government adoption and deployment.
Who would be affected
The FCC and its Chair, who would be responsible for establishing the task force and appointing its members. Communications industry companies, public interest organizations, academic institutions, and federal, state, local, and tribal government representatives who would be eligible for membership. Foreign-adversary-linked entities would be explicitly excluded from participation.
Why it matters
The task force would shape the federal government's early understanding of 6G — the next generation of wireless technology after 5G — before standards are finalized. Its report could influence future regulation, spectrum policy, and public investment decisions. The exclusion of foreign-adversary-linked entities signals a focus on national security and supply chain integrity from the outset of U.S. 6G planning.
What would change
Agencies directed to act
Effective dates
- Deadline for the FCC to establish the 6G Task Force
- Deadline for the task force to publish a draft report for public comment
- Deadline for the task force to submit the final report to Congress
Funding and costs
Congressional Budget Office estimate
CBO estimates that implementing the FUTURE Networks Act would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025–2030 period, with a negligible net cost to the FCC.
H.R. 2449 would direct the FCC to establish a task force on sixth-generation (6G) wireless technology, which would report to Congress on 6G standards, uses, limitations, and potential government applications. CBO estimates the gross cost of implementation at less than $500,000 over the 2025–2030 period. Because the FCC is authorized to collect fees each year sufficient to offset its appropriated regulatory costs, CBO estimates the net cost to the FCC would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority. CBO identified no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates in the bill.
How implementation would work
The FCC Chair would appoint task force members within 120 days of enactment, drawing from industry, academia, public interest groups, and all levels of government. The task force would draft its report — covering standards progress, potential uses, limitations, and government coordination — and publish it in the Federal Register and on the FCC website within 180 days for public comment. After incorporating comments, the task force would finalize and submit the report to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee within one year of the task force's establishment.
Legislative status & sources
Latest action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Official CRS summary
Show the CRS summaryHide the CRS summary
This 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.
Legislative subjects
Advanced technology and technological innovations; Advisory bodies; Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies; Computer security and identity theft; Congressional oversight; Executive agency funding and structure; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Government studies and investigations; Internet, web applications, social media; Public-private cooperation; Science, Technology, Communications; State and local government operations; Telephone and wireless communication
Committee report
H. Rept. 119-74