A New National Spectrum Strategy

On October 25, 2018, President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum ordering federal agencies to review their existing spectrum usage, forecast future demands, and prepare a plan for research and development that will enable better use of spectrum in the future.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy framed the announcement as a plan to devise a strategy to speed up the private sector’s deployment of 5G wireless networks. “To lead in 5G and reap the benefits of better and faster wireless connections, we must have a forward-looking, strategic spectrum policy,” wrote Michael Kratsios, Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer. “The steps outlined in this Presidential Memo make it clear that America intends to remain the world leader in next-generation wireless networks.”