Office of Spectrum Management (OSM)
NTIA’s Office of Spectrum Management (OSM) is dedicated to protecting the vital federal government operations that use spectrum while also supporting the growth of commercial wireless broadband and technologies in America. Many federal agencies rely on the use of spectrum, a limited resource, to execute their core missions. There is also increasing demand for spectrum to meet the wireless broadband needs of consumers and businesses, paving the way for continued innovation and economic growth.
OSM principally manages the Federal government’s use of the radio frequency spectrum, ensuring that the America’s domestic and international spectrum needs are satisfied. To achieve this, OSM receives assistance and advice from the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) and carries out this responsibility 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.
Leadership
Charles Cooper, Associate Administrator
Contact
Office of Spectrum Management
National Telecommunications & Information Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
Phone: (202) 482-1850