USA Releases National Spectrum Strategy to Advance Wireless Leadership

The United States released its National Spectrum Strategy identifying spectrum of interest for innovative new uses by both the private sector and federal agencies. The announcement includes a Memorandum on Modernizing United States Spectrum Policy, which will promote a trustworthy, predictable, and evidenced-based process for ensuring the most effective use of the country’s spectrum.

Spectrum is a limited resource that enables everyday technologies such as mobile phones, but also critical energy, transportation, and industrial applications. As the demand for this resource continues to grow rapidly, the National Spectrum Strategy will advance U.S. leadership globally while also empowering the development of wireless technologies like 5G to support a connectivity-driven economic future for both the public and private sectors. 

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce, developed the Strategy in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and other executive agencies.

The Strategy identifies 2,786 megahertz of spectrum across five spectrum bands for in-depth study to determine suitability for potential new uses, more than double the initial target. This includes more than 1,600 megahertz of midband spectrum, a frequency range in high demand by the wireless industry for advanced applications.

The Strategy includes four key pillars:

• Create a pipeline for researching and opening up new spectrum

• Establish a planning process for spectrum enablement that includes public and private stakeholders 

• Facilitate investment in R&D efforts for emerging wireless technologies

• Expand awareness of the importance of spectrum in order to attract skilled workers and improve future policymaking

To review the full document, visit the White House website.

For more information on ARC Advisory Group’s ongoing coverage of wireless technology including our updated Industrial Cellular Routers market study, please visit the Industrial Cellular Router research report.