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Spectrum Management

Protecting a Vital, Limited Resource

Overview

Many Federal agencies use radio frequency spectrum to perform vital operations. NTIA manages the Federal government's use of spectrum, ensuring that America's domestic and international spectrum needs are met while making efficient use of this limited resource. NTIA carries out this responsibility with assistance and advice from the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee and by:

  • establishing and issuing policy regarding allocations and regulations governing the Federal spectrum use;
  • developing plans for the peacetime and wartime use of the spectrum;
  • preparing for, participating in, and implementing the results of international radio conferences;
  • assigning frequencies;
  • maintaining spectrum use databases;
  • reviewing Federal agencies' new telecommunications systems and certifying that spectrum will be available;
  • providing the technical engineering expertise needed to perform specific spectrum resources assessments and automated computer capabilities needed to carry out these investigations;
  • participating in all aspects of the Federal government's communications related emergency readiness activities; and
  • participating in Federal government telecommunications and automated information systems security activities.

Related content


FCC-NTIA Joint Coordination Procedure Notice on 3.45-355 GHz

July 20, 2021
Docket Number
WT Docket No. 19–348; DA 21–645; FRS 36568]

The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and NTIA issue this joint Public Notice to provide information about the cooperative sharing framework for federal and non- federal coordination in certain, defined areas where and when federal incumbents require continued access in the 3.45–3.55 GHz band.

The Spectrum Needs of U.S. Space-Based Operations: An Inventory of Current and Projected Uses

July 09, 2021

The United States is a global leader in the development and deployment of advanced, space-based technologies. Yet there is relatively little public awareness of the scope and scale or the economic benefits of these space-based technologies and even less recognition of the core public resource needed to operate and support them: radio-frequency spectrum. This report aims to provide basic information that will help increase public understanding of the scope and value of these space-based operations and the importance of their access to spectrum.

NTIA Releases Comprehensive Review of U.S. Space-based Operations and Spectrum Use

July 9, 2021

Every day, Americans depend on space-based technologies, which power navigation services, accurate weather forecasts, rural Internet access, public safety communications, national security objectives, and more. All of these technologies depend on a key public resource – radiofrequency spectrum – both for controlling space operations and for relaying communications and data to and from Earth.

Today, NTIA released a first-of-its-kind report documenting the wide array of current and projected spectrum uses by space-based systems. The report, titled “The Spectrum Needs of U.S.-Based Space Operations,” will help inform policymakers and others regarding the key roles these systems perform.

The report highlights the economic, social and life-saving benefits of the communications, remote sensing, radio astronomy, and position, navigation, and timing services that these systems provide. A recent review by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis found the U.S. space economy added $108.9 billion in value to the current-dollar GDP.

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