Options for and Barriers to Spectrum Reform

[SOURCE: Government Accountability Office]
With demand for spectrum exploding, and most useable spectrum allocated to existing users, there is growing concern that the current spectrum management framework might not be able to respond adequately to future demands. This testimony, which is based on previous GAO reports, provides information on 1) the extent to which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted market-based mechanisms for commercial use, 2) the extent to which market-based mechanisms have been adopted for federal government users of spectrum, 3) options for improving spectrum management, and 4) potential barriers to spectrum reform. In previous reports, GAO recommended that 1) the Secretary of Commerce and FCC should jointly develop a national spectrum plan to guide decision making, and 2) the relevant administrative agencies and congressional committees work together to develop and implement a plan for the establishment of an independent commission that would conduct a comprehensive examination of current spectrum management. To date, these recommendations have not been implemented. (GAO-06-526T)
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-526T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d06526thigh.pdf