Wireless usage has surged in recent years, and demand for more 5G connections continues to rise. From using smartphones for video streaming, monitoring smart home devices, and communicating in a myriad of styles, to the development of smart cities and autonomous vehicles, one resource is essential to device functionality: spectrum.
Spectrum refers to the invisible airwaves that support our wireless communication and data flow, enabling it to move from point A to point B in a matter of milliseconds. As American Action Forum and The Foundation for American Innovation describe, “In the context of telecommunications, spectrum typically refers to the different frequency ranges that are available for use. The larger the range of frequencies available, the more data an operator can send.” Wireless carriers need spectrum to keep up with demand and continue to provide the services you rely on every day, but today the federal government still holds most of the spectrum in the ranges needed to deliver those services. In fact, government users have 12 times the amount of available spectrum licensed users have in the critical mid-band range that’s used around the world to deliver 5G services. This is where the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) steps in.
What’s NTIA?
NTIA is a federal agency within the Department of Commerce that advises the President on telecommunications policy. The agency’s focus is centered around increasing broadband internet access and adoption across the country to enhance American lives and drive innovation.
What Does NTIA Have to Do with Spectrum?
NTIA is responsible for managing the government’s use of spectrum and identifying new spectrum for commercial use. Since its creation in 1978, NTIA has been the lead agency regarding federal government use of spectrum and the direction of spectrum policy. It manages spectrum used by federal agencies, ensuring different federal users like the military, weather services, and emergency responders have the frequencies needed to operate without interference. As the lead advisor to the President on telecommunications issues, NTIA also facilitates the balance between government needs and the spectrum that, according to Pew Research, 97% Americans rely on for wireless connectivity almost daily.
The need for more spectrum to support our daily wireless usage is greater than ever before, so the role NTIA plays in this process is a vital one to keep up with demand, keep up with innovation, and ensure continued quality of service.
Why Do We Need One Voice on Federal Spectrum?
Having NTIA as the sole agency in charge of federal spectrum is important for several reasons. It helps ensure that scarce spectrum resources are being used to advance national priorities, not just parochial ones. It also eliminates conflict between different government users and ensures a coordinated approach to spectrum management, including increasing the efficiency of the spectrum already in use. Imagine if every federal agency managed its own spectrum – authoritative chaos and unavoidable interference would ensue, potentially disrupting critical operations. As the stand-alone leading voice when it comes to federal usage of spectrum, NTIA can take a comprehensive, full-picture approach that creates a roadmap that benefits everyone.
What About the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?
While NTIA manages usage of spectrum set aside for federal purposes, the FCC manages commercial spectrum policy. Among other things, the FCC makes decisions about how to allocate spectrum to meet the needs of all Americans and businesses through the 4G and 5G networks that we use every day to work remotely, video call a friend, or listen to an audiobook.
A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NTIA and the FCC has further enhanced coordination between the two agencies, allowing for even smoother collaboration to meet the growing demand for spectrum and further initiatives that free up more spectrum for commercial use.
So Where is Spectrum Headed?
By taking a few key steps, America can ensure enough spectrum to meet future demand.
- Reassert NTIA as Sole Authority of Federal Government Use of Spectrum: Continuing to reinforce the NTIA as the primary authority for decisions about how federal agencies use spectrum will help streamline decisions and avoid conflicts between different interests. Too many cooks in the kitchen, that is too many federal agencies without a comprehensive understanding of the many unique federal and commercial needs of spectrum, is a recipe for disaster.
- Continue Collaboration Between NTIA and FCC: Partnership between the NTIA and FCC is crucial. By working together, they can identify new ways to free up spectrum for use by ALL Americans.
- Conduct Studies and Create a Pipeline of Spectrum: The NTIA studies to identify mid-band spectrum can create a sound basis for decisions around band capabilities, eventually making available the much-needed spectrum to support Americans’ day-to-day needs.
- Maintain a Mission Mindset: We must remember the ultimate why: to bridge the digital divide. By freeing up more spectrum, the NTIA can help improve and deliver connectivity to unserved and underserved communities.
Both federal agencies and commercial users need spectrum to successfully function. By working closely with the FCC, NTIA can point our country in the right direction to meet the growing demand for wireless services and support the continued growth of our wirelessly connected world. Efforts made now to free up additional spectrum will narrow the digital divide and keep future connectivity alive.
