Spectrum Management

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.

NTIA is also collaborating with the Federal Communications Commission to make available a total of 500 megahertz of Federal and nonfederal spectrum over the next 10 years for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. This initiative, to nearly double the amount of commercial spectrum, will spur investment, economic growth, and job creation while supporting the growing demand by consumers and businesses for wireless broadband services.