NTIA Federal Long-Range Spectrum Plan

National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management

Federal Long-Range Spectrum Plan

I. National Policy Regarding Use of the Spectrum by Federal Departments and Agencies

The United States is vitally dependent upon the use of the radio spectrum to carry out national policies and achieve national goals. Use of the spectrum is vital to the security and welfare of the Nation and to the conduct of its foreign affairs. This use exerts a powerful influence upon our everyday lives, in countless ways, annually contributing significantly to the Nation's growth and economy.

The radio spectrum is a limited natural resource which is accessible to all nations. It is imperative that we develop and administer our use of this resource wisely so as to maintain a free democratic society and to stimulate the healthy growth of the Nation, while ensuring its availability to serve future requirements in the best interest of the Nation. Therefore, consistent with our international treaty obligations and with due regard for the rights of other nations, the national objectives for the use of the radio spectrum are to make effective, efficient, and prudent use of the spectrum in the best interest of the Nation, with care to conserve it for uses where other means of communication are not available or feasible. Specifically, in support of national policies and the achievement of national goals, the primary objectives are:

a) to enhance the conduct of foreign affairs;

b) to serve the national security and defense;

c) to safeguard life and property;

d) to support crime prevention and law enforcement;

e) to support the national and international transportation systems;

f) to foster conservation of natural resources;

g) to provide for the national and international dissemination of educational, general, and public interest information and entertainment;

h) to make available rapid, efficient, nationwide, and worldwide radiocommunication services;

i) to promote scientific research, development, and exploration;

j) to stimulate social and economic progress; and

k) in summary, to improve the well being of man.

In carrying out these objectives, the Government shall, in general, encourage the development and regulate the use of radio and wire communications subject to its control so as to meet the needs of national security, safety of life and property, international relations, and the business, social, educational, and political life of the Nation.

Specifically, the Government shall:

a) aggressively foster the development, investigation, selection, and standardization of a worldwide system of radio and electronic aids for marine navigation and communication, since the national security, the Nation's sea commerce, and the assurance of adequate safety of life and property at sea for ships of all nations require such an efficient, integrated, and standardized system.

b) aggressively foster the development, investigation, selection, and standardization of a worldwide system of radio and electronic aids for air navigation and communication, since the national security, the Nation's air commerce, and the assurance of adequate safety of life and property in flight require such an efficient, integrated, and standardized system.

c) promote the development and use of radio for the protection of the lives and property of its citizens and of other national resources where other means of communication are not appropriate or available.

d) foster such research and development activities in the telecommunication field as will permit and encourage the most beneficial use of the radio spectrum in the national interest.

e) promote the development and use of radio to improve the efficiency and economy of Government operations where other means of communication are not appropriate or available.

In the procurement of telecommunications services, the Federal Government places heavy reliance on the private sector. In order to emphasize the Government's proper role as a user, rather than a telecommunications provider, any proposal which requires the Government to perform any "provider" functions, shall be adopted only if commercial service is:

a) not available to the user during the time needed;

b) not adequate from either a technical or operational standpoint; or

c) significantly more costly.

Establishment of Federal telecommunications systems is acceptable only if such an approach will result in significant savings over an otherwise acceptable commercial service offering. To be considered significant the savings must exceed 10 percent of the cost of the commercial service. The cost estimate of the non-commercial approach must include, as a minimum, all of the factors called out by Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76. If the proposed approach involves heavy investment, rapid obsolescence, or uncertain requirements, the minimum savings threshold should be increased to reflect these factors.

The Government shall establish separate communication satellite systems only when they are required to meet unique governmental needs, or are otherwise required in the national interest. Therefore, within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Government, use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum for radio transmissions by U.S. Government stations shall be made only as authorized by the Assistant Secretary.

The Government regards the radio frequency spectrum as a world resource in the public domain; consequently, its policies ensure that this resource is used in the best interest of the Nation, but with high regard to the needs and rights of other nations. In this regard, the Government considers the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) the principal competent and appropriate international organization for the purpose of formulating international regulations on telecommunication matters, and recognizes that other international bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization, and the World Meteorological Organization also provide appropriate international organizations for considering specialized telecommunication matters.

In view of the limitations of the usable radio frequency spectrum, and to ensure the best possible return from the use thereof, the Government in time of peace shall require all users to: a) justify any except an emergency request for radio frequencies prior to the assignment or use of such frequencies; b) confirm periodically the justification of continued use; c) employ up-to-date spectrum conserving techniques as a matter of normal procedure; and d) assure the ability to discontinue the electronic functioning of any emission system, including satellites, when required in the interest of communication efficiency and effectiveness.

The Federal Government, in its role of leadership in the application of advanced technology, shall foster the application of spectrum-conserving methods for radio communication systems used by the Federal Government. Spectrum-conserving systems are new or existing systems that make use of innovative designs or unique applications that result in efficient use of frequency, space, and time. Efficient use is a mission-oriented factor that combines the requirements of the mission with available techniques to provide the most effective solution. Federal agencies are encouraged to use spectrum-conserving technologies and methods where they will satisfy agency operational requirements and will enhance service, economy of operation, and the more efficient and effective use of the radio spectrum. However, where spectrum is readily available due to geographic considerations or other factors, or where mission requirements mandate, security, economics, or some technical or system performance criterion may be the determining factor in system selection.