William B. Grant and Charles J. Chilton

Abstract: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in keeping with its responsibility for managing the Government's use of the radio frequency spectrum, researches particular bands when changes in national and/or international allocations occur, when assignments to particular services show crowding, or when new systems coming into bands may present compatibility problems with existing systems. Both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and NTIA recognize a need at this time to review the use, rules and regulations, and technical standards for the fixed and mobile allocations between 947 MHz and 17.7 GHz. This review was prompted by a number of factors influencing assignments in this portion of the radio frequency spectrum, including changes in allocations as a result of the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) held in 1979, increased use of these bands by Space Communication Services, crowding of assignments in some of the bands containing Fixed and Mobile Services, and the need to establish a long-range plan for spectrum use. This report constitutes a Spectrum Resource Assessment of the bands containing Fixed and Mobile Services in the 947 MHz to 17.7 GHz portion of the radio frequency spectrum. Included is information on rules and regulations, allocations, technical standards, frequency assignments, and major system characteristics. The possibility of increased sharing between Government agencies and between Government and nonGovernment entities is considered for the various bands. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made on sharing potential based on current usage data. This is a Phase I Report; A Phase II Report will include actual system and equipment counts and projected future use by the various Government agencies who presently have, or plan, future services in these bands.

Keywords: spectrum management; fixed and mobile services; Government exclusive bands; Government/non-Government shared bands; spectrum sharing; long-range plan; 947–17,700 MHz

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.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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