Spectrum Management

[SOURCE: Government Accountability Office]
The GAO sent a report to Congress last week on the FCC's job of managing the radio spectrum. The radiofrequency spectrum is a natural resource used to provide an array of wireless communications services, such as mobile voice and data services, radio and television broadcasting, radar, and satellite-based services, which are critical to the U.S. economy and national security. The current practice of allocating spectrum is largely regarded as being a “command-and-control” process -- that is, the government largely dictates the use of spectrum. In particular, based on regulatory judgments, FCC determines and limits what types of services -- such as broadcast, satellite, or mobile radio -- will be offered in different frequency bands by geographic area. In addition, FCC issues service rules to define the terms and conditions for spectrum use within given bands. These rules typically specify eligibility standards, as well as limitations on the services that relevant entities may offer and the equipment and power levels they may use. Industry stakeholders offered a number of options for improving spectrum management. The most frequently cited options include 1) reexamining the distribution of spectrum to enhance the efficient and effective use of this important resource, 2) ensuring clearly defined rights and flexibility in commercially licensed spectrum bands, and 3) extending and modifying FCC’s auction authority. For example, stakeholders suggested that the government evaluate the relative allocation of spectrum for government and commercial use as well as the allocation of spectrum for licensed and unlicensed purposes. There was no consensus on these options for improvements among stakeholders, except to extend FCC’s auction authority which is scheduled to expire in 2007.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-212R