Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 1709
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1709Telephone and wireless communicationComputer security and identity theft
Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act
INTRO FEB 27· LAST ACTION JUL 15
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
4
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because nearly every American relies heavily on mobile phones and networks for everything from personal communication to work and emergencies. The report will shine a light on the security weaknesses in these critical systems, which could be exploited by hackers or foreign adversaries to steal personal information, disrupt communications, or conduct surveillance. Without this detailed examination, lawmakers might lack the specific, current information needed to develop effective strategies, policies, or regulations to protect our mobile infrastructure and, by extension, our personal privacy and national security. The findings could drive improvements that make our mobile lives safer against evolving cyber threats.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to submit a report to Congress within one year of the bill becoming law.
This sets a clear deadline and assigns responsibility for a comprehensive government review of mobile network security.
PROVISION 02
The report must assess how well mobile service providers are addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified by various experts and federal agencies.
This will provide insight into the current state of security efforts by companies responsible for our mobile communications.
PROVISION 03
The report will discuss the prevalence and effectiveness of encryption and authentication methods used in mobile services and devices, including barriers to stronger security.
Understanding current encryption practices is vital for protecting user privacy and identifying areas for improvement against data interception.
PROVISION 04
The report must estimate the prevalence, costs, and use by adversaries in the U.S. of cell site simulators and other mobile surveillance technologies.
This provides crucial information about the tools and methods malicious actors use to spy on mobile networks and users.
PROVISION 05
The report is specifically limited to non-5G mobile service networks and will focus on vulnerabilities that have been, or could be, exploited in real-world conditions.
This ensures the report focuses on current and practical threats, making its findings more immediately relevant and actionable.
This bill matters because nearly every American relies heavily on mobile phones and networks for everything from personal communication to work and emergencies. The report will shine a light on the security weaknesses in these critical systems, which could be exploited by hackers or foreign adversaries to steal personal information, disrupt communications, or conduct surveillance. Without this detailed examination, lawmakers might lack the specific, current information needed to develop effective strategies, policies, or regulations to protect our mobile infrastructure and, by extension, our personal privacy and national security. The findings could drive improvements that make our mobile lives safer against evolving cyber threats.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to submit a report to Congress within one year of the bill becoming law.
This sets a clear deadline and assigns responsibility for a comprehensive government review of mobile network security.
high
The report must assess how well mobile service providers are addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified by various experts and federal agencies.
This will provide insight into the current state of security efforts by companies responsible for our mobile communications.
med
The report will discuss the prevalence and effectiveness of encryption and authentication methods used in mobile services and devices, including barriers to stronger security.
Understanding current encryption practices is vital for protecting user privacy and identifying areas for improvement against data interception.
high
The report must estimate the prevalence, costs, and use by adversaries in the U.S. of cell site simulators and other mobile surveillance technologies.
This provides crucial information about the tools and methods malicious actors use to spy on mobile networks and users.
med
The report is specifically limited to non-5G mobile service networks and will focus on vulnerabilities that have been, or could be, exploited in real-world conditions.
This ensures the report focuses on current and practical threats, making its findings more immediately relevant and actionable.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to submit the report to Congress.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information
A senior government official within the Department of Commerce who advises the President on telecommunications and information policy.
Mobile service network
The entire system, including infrastructure and devices, that allows cell phones and other mobile devices to connect and communicate.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Weaknesses or flaws in a computer system, network, or device that could be exploited by hackers or malicious software to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.
Encryption
The process of converting information or data into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access, making it unreadable without the correct key.
Authentication algorithms
Mathematical processes used to verify the identity of a user, device, or system, ensuring they are legitimate and authorized.
Cell site simulator (IMSI catcher)
A device that mimics a legitimate cell tower to trick nearby mobile phones into connecting to it, allowing for surveillance, tracking, or interception of communications.
Adversary
ACTION TIMELINE
15 EVENTS
JUL 15, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
INTROREFERRAL
JUL 14, 25
Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
FLOOR
JUL 14, 25
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3209-3211)
FLOOR
JUL 14, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1709.
In this context, it refers to any unauthorized hacker, foreign government, or non-government person engaged in activities harmful to the national security or safety of the United States.
