U.S. National Spectrum Requirements: Projections and Trends

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Abstract:

This report projects U.S. spectrum requirements for a 10-year period based primarily on technical factors. The process of developing national requirements and forwarding these as U.S. requirements to international conferences requires additional consideration of technical, operational and regulatory factors. Among other factors in the planning process, we must also determine availability of spectrum, and prepare long-term spectrum plans, corresponding to phases 2 and 3 of the Strategic Spectrum Planning Program. These plans will include spectrum options and reallocation trade-offs needed to address future spectrum needs in a coordinated manner.

It has been said that long-range spectrum planning cannot be effectively accomplished. We recognize the many difficulties and problems with long-range planning, but must address the issues so we can make intelligent choices and address necessary changes in a realistic fashion. The alternative is to continue to address each spectrum requirement as it arises on a case-by-case basis, and often in a crisis-mode environment. The projected spectrum requirements contained in this report are a key input to the long-range planning process. Further, our estimates of spectrum requirements are intended to foster dialogues between spectrum users and regulators, to ensure that spectrum is allocated to satisfy future requirements in a balanced and equitable fashion.

Keywords: broadcasting-satellite service (BSS); fixed-satellite service (FSS); radio propagation; fixed service (FS); spectrum sharing; aeronautical mobile service; broadcasting service; radiolocation service; radionavigation service; meteorological aids service; amateur radio; amateur satellite services; antenna technology; ITU; land mobile service; maritime mobile service; microprocessor-based technologies; mobile-satellite services (MSS); modulation technologies; propagation technology; radiodetermination-satellite service; satellite communications services; space operation service; standard frequency and time signal services; WRC

(94-31.pdf)

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

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