H.R. 4813House115th Congress (2017-2019)In Committee

WIFI STUDy Act

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Updated April 15, 2026 at 7:51 PM UTC

The WIFI STUDy Act directs the U.S. Comptroller General to conduct a study on how unlicensed spectrum—like Wi‑Fi—helps shift broadband traffic away from licensed networks. The study will look at the technology’s role in supporting internet‑connected devices, its economic benefits for providers and users, and the challenges to rolling out gigabit‑speed Wi‑Fi below 6 GHz. Findings will be reported to the relevant House and Senate committees to inform future policy.

Key Provisions

The Comptroller General must start the study within 60 days of the law’s enactment.
The study will examine (1) how unlicensed spectrum supports the growth of internet‑connected devices, (2) its role in managing traffic on licensed broadband networks, (3) the economic benefits of Wi‑Fi for providers and subscribers, and (4) barriers and opportunities for large‑scale gigabit Wi‑Fi deployment below 6 GHz.
A final report with findings, conclusions, and any recommendations must be delivered to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee no later than 18 months after the study begins.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee

January 19, 2018

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 17, 2018

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Energy and Commerce Committee

January 17, 2018

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee

January 19, 2018

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 17, 2018

115th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 4813

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 17, 2018

Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL

To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to evaluate the role of unlicensed spectrum in offloading broadband traffic, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Wireless Internet Focus on Innovation in Spectrum Technology for Unlicensed Deployment Act or the WIFI STUDy Act.

GAO study on the role of unlicensed spectrum in offloading broadband traffic

(a)

In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a study of—

(1)

the role that unlicensed spectrum plays in the development of the proliferation of Internet-connected devices;

(2)

the role of unlicensed spectrum in managing Internet protocol traffic on licensed wireless or other broadband networks;

(3)

the economic benefits to providers and subscribers that WiFi provides in assisting with Internet traffic management; and

(4)

the potential avenues for, and barriers to, broad deployment of gigabit WiFi service in spectrum bands below 6 gigahertz at a scale that allows for rapid expanded use of new consumer devices.

(b)

Report

Not later than 18 months after initiating the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study that sets forth the findings, conclusions, and recommendations, if any, of the study.