US unveils new spectrum strategy
November 15, 2023
By Chris Forrester
There’s a new spectrum strategy from the US Department of Commerce and its National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) agency. The end result will see 2,700 megahertz of spectrum released for “new, innovative uses”.
“Spectrum is a limited resource that enables the everyday and the extraordinary – from checking the weather on our phone to traveling into space. As demand for this resource increases, the US will continue to lead the world in spectrum innovation, and President Biden’s bold vision for spectrum policy will provide the foundation for that leadership,” said US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
The spectrum plan includes bands including 3 GHz, 7 GHz, 18 GHz and 37 GHz for possible commercial uses. Those potential uses include wireless broadband to satellite operations to drone management.
The long-awaited announcement release is not a moment too soon. The US wireless industry has been calling for action for fresh spectrum.
“Today is a key step towards the future spectrum auctions we need,” wrote CTIA, the US wireless industry’s primary trade association. “Failure to make this spectrum available risks America’s economic competitiveness and national security.”