February 11, 1998 (202) 482-7002
pdarden@ntia.doc.gov
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Commerce Department's
National Telecommunications and Information Administration today released
the Spectrum Reallocation Report. The report, which identifies 20 megahertz
of radio frequency spectrum below 3 gigahertz for reallocation from Federal
to non-Federal use, was mandated by Title III of the Balanced Budget Act
of 1997.
The 20 megahertz identified for reallocation is to
be assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to non-Federal
users through the process of competitive bidding prior to 2002. Secretary
of Commerce Daley signed the report on February 9, 1998, in accordance
with the statuatory requirements in the legislation.
The Federal Government uses frequencies below 3 gigahertz
to support missions that provide significant and unique benefits to the
public. These missions include Federal law enforcement activities, air
traffic control, national defense, weather services, scientific studies,
and environmental monitoring. The estimated Federal investment exceeds
$280 billion. Approximately half of this spectrum is shared with non-Federal
users.
The report describes the approach used to identify
the bands considered for reallocation. This includes: 1) assessment of
the Federal Government use of the bands, identification of mission and
cost implications; 2) application of the Title III band selection criteria;
3) identification of the factors that would effect the benefits to be accrued
by the public for the various reallocation options; and 4) analysis of
the various reallocation options on a band-by-band basis.
The reallocation plan provides an overview of Federal
usage, a transition timetable, and any sharing requirements for each of
the bands identified for reallocation. The estimated reallocation costs
and potential operational impacts to the missions performed by the Federal
agencies are also discussed.
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In complying with the requirements and band selection
criteria of Title III, the spectrum reallocation plan establishes a reasonable
balance between the spectrum needs of the Federal Government and those
of potential non-Federal users.
| Bands Identified for Reallocation | Reallocation Status4 | Reallocation Schedule5 |
| 139-140.5 and 141.5-143 MHZ | Mixed | January 2008 |
| 216-220 MHz1 | Mixed | January 2002 |
| 1385-1390 MHz2 | Exclusive | January 1999 |
| 1432-1435 MHZ | Mixed | January 1999 |
| 2385-2390 MHz3 | Exclusive | January 2005 |
|
1) The SPASUR radar system (transmit frequency of 216.98 MHZ and receive frequencies of 216.965-216.995 MHZ), located in the Southern part of the United States, will continue to be protected. 2) Federal airborne operations at 16 sites will be
continued for 9 years after the scheduled availability date.
3) Federal and commercial airborne operations at
17 sites will be continued for 2 years after the scheduled availability
date.
4) Spectrum reallocated on a mixed-use basis can
be used by the Federal Government, but this use must be limited by geographic
area, time, or by other means, and must be substantially less than the
potential non-Federal use.
5) The spectrum will be auctioned prior to 2002, in accordance with the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. |
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NTIA serves as the principal adviser to the President,
Vice President, and Secretary of Commerce on domestic and international
communication and information issues and represents the Executive Branch
before the Congress, other Federal agencies, foreign governments and international
organizations. NTIA also manages and promotes efficient use of the radio
frequency spectrum for Federal users.
Copies of the spectrum reallocation report are available
from NTIA's public affairs office. To order, contact Mary Wallach (mailing
address: Room 1609 Herbert C. Hoover Building, 14th. Street & Pennsylvania
Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20230), phone: (202) 482-3999, E-mail: mwallach@ntia.doc.gov.
The report is also available on NTIA's home page at http://www.ntia.doc.gov.