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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


Annual Report on the Status of Spectrum Repurposing and Other Initiatives

May 12, 2023

This report provides a snapshot of the considerable efforts of NTIA, the Federal Communications Commission and other federal agency partners to repurpose radio frequency spectrum – either on an exclusive or shared use basis – to support commercial wireless services and applications such as 5G wireless connectivity. It highlights spectrum-related activities through the end of 2021.

6G: Open and Resilient by Design: Opening Remarks by Alan Davidson Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information

Welcome, all. I am grateful for Congresswoman Matsui and Senator Luján’s presence here today as well as the U.S. and international industry, academia, and government agencies in attendance. I look forward to discussing 6G and how we can work with our partners to promote open, interoperable, secure, and reliable approaches to this technology. 

Waiver of 5.9 GHz Band Rules to Permit Initial Deployment of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Technology

April 18, 2023
19-138

On November 20, 2020, the Commission released the 5.9 GHz First Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Order of Proposed Modification, which adopted new rules for the 5.9 GHz band.1 The Report and Order (5.9 GHz First R&O) made spectrum available for unlicensed uses by designating the lower 45 megahertz of the band (5.850-5.895 GHz) for unlicensed operations while continuing to dedicate the upper 30 megahertz (5.895-5.925 GHz) for intelligent transportation systems (ITS).2 The 5.9 GHz First R&O said the Commission would permit existing and future Part 90 ITS li

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