Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 6, 2026
Bottom line
The bill requires a strategic U.S. plan to promote Wi-Fi and unlicensed spectrum technologies internationally, focusing on countering adversarial influence, especially from China, at the upcoming WRC-27.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, develop and implement a comprehensive plan within 180 days to advance and advocate for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies globally. The plan must specifically address strategies to counter efforts by foreign adversaries, such as the People's Republic of China, to undermine these technologies, particularly in the context of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) in Shanghai. A report on the plan's implementation is required after WRC-27 concludes.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this legislation is vital for safeguarding U.S. leadership in advanced technologies like Wi-Fi and 6G, which are critical drivers of economic growth and essential for education, healthcare, and public safety. They emphasize the urgent need for a unified U.S. strategy to counteract deliberate efforts by adversaries, particularly China, to disrupt global Wi-Fi standards and push for reliance on untrusted, foreign-controlled infrastructure, especially with WRC-27 being hosted in Shanghai.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that the bill's specific mandates could overly constrain U.S. negotiators in complex international forums, potentially limiting their flexibility to adapt to evolving diplomatic landscapes or achieve broader consensus. Some may also argue that existing interagency coordination mechanisms are sufficient to address these issues, or that explicitly naming adversaries could unnecessarily escalate diplomatic tensions without guaranteeing desired outcomes.
The bill is concise and straightforward, allowing for a quick read and ample time for informed evaluation of its strategic implications.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally designates the Act as the "Advancing American Wi-Fi Against Foreign Adversaries Act." This short title provides a clear and concise name for the legislation, making it easier for the public, policymakers, and stakeholders to identify and refer to the bill and its core purpose.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a clear and descriptive short title effectively communicates the bill's intent and importance to a broad audience, helping to frame the legislative debate around its core objectives.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they serve primarily as an identifier for the legislation.
Tradeoffs
None apparent for this provision, as it is purely administrative.
Section 2
Sense of Congress on U.S. Wi-Fi Leadership and Adversarial Threats
This section articulates Congress's findings and policy statements, emphasizing the national priority of U.S. leadership in Wi-Fi, 6G, and satellite technologies. It highlights Wi-Fi's significant economic contributions and the necessity of a global system supporting Wi-Fi. Crucially, it identifies foreign adversaries, specifically the People's Republic of China, as actively working to undermine U.S. spectrum priorities and promote untrusted infrastructure, particularly at international forums like the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27). It stresses the importance of unified U.S. engagement and coalition-building to counter these threats.
Section 3
Mandate for a National Plan to Advance Unlicensed Technologies
This section requires the Secretary of Commerce, through the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information (NTIA), to develop and publicly release a comprehensive plan within 180 days of enactment. This plan, created in coordination with the FCC, Department of State, USTR, Department of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and other relevant agencies, will outline how the U.S. will promote the global adoption of Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies. A key focus is advocating for global harmonization of the 5925-7125 MHz spectrum band for these technologies, especially at WRC-27. The plan must also include specific strategies to counter efforts by the Chinese Communist Party and other adversaries to undermine unlicensed and Wi-Fi technologies. Following WRC-27, a report on the plan's implementation is required.