Priority Open Recommendations: National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The Government Accountability Office highlighted three areas where open recommendations to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration should be given high priority:

• Managing radio-frequency spectrum: Radio-frequency spectrum is a scarce natural resource used to support an increasing number of public and private-sector activities. GAO recommended that NTIA, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and other relevant federal agencies, monitor and keep its collaboration guidance up to date. We also recommended that NTIA establish shared procedures for the design of spectrum studies that agencies use during domestic and international spectrum management activities. Taking these actions would strengthen NTIA’s ability to collaborate with other agencies and better position the U.S. at international conferences where spectrum regulations are updated.
• Managing IT and cybersecurity risks to spectrum infrastructure: The security of the IT systems that federal agencies use is vital to protecting national security, especially as risks to these systems increase. NTIA relies on multiple custom IT systems to manage federal spectrum use that are out of date. In 2024, NTIA awarded contracts to support the modernization of these systems. However, GAO reported that NTIA is missing key planning and cybersecurity practices, and recommended NTIA implement these practices. As NTIA continues its modernization efforts, implementing these practices would better ensure the success of these efforts.
• Managing federal broadband programs: Broadband access is critical for economic development. Yet, many communities remain unserved or underserved, particularly in very rural areas and on tribal lands. From 2020 through 2024, statutes appropriated over $82 billion to programs across multiple agencies to improve access to broadband. GAO recommended that NTIA better communicate projects’ financial sustainability to Congress and continue to improve collaboration with other federal providers of broadband funding. Taking these steps will help ensure Congress is properly informed about the finances of NTIA’s programs and reduce potential waste in broadband programs.