Thomas L. Chirhart, Charles T. Hoffman, Richard J. Orsulak, and Edward F. Drocella Jr.

Abstract: On behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has prepared this report in response to Title XVII, Section 1705 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2001. It represents part of a joint submission to the Congress by NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission regarding alternative frequencies for use by state and local public safety agencies. It is submitted as a separate report, under a joint cover letter, outlining the issues involving the use of alternative frequency bands allocated for federal use. Another important part of this legislation directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to study the feasibility of sharing frequencies in the 138–144 MHz band with non-federal public safety agencies.

This report outlines federal agency use of the 162–174 MHz and 406.1–420 MHz bands, concentrating on departments and agencies with primary public safety missions. Since these missions continue to expand and the use of these bands continues to grow, NTIA and the federal agencies have developed policies, rules and plans to alleviate spectrum congestion. This was done by mandating spectrum efficient technology, encouraging the development of consolidated integrated networks, enhancing the utility of this spectrum by setting transmitter and receiver performance standards, and encouraging the use of trunking technology.

This report discusses frequency bands considered as alternative frequencies to the 138–144 MHz band and defines this in terms of comparable spectrum. Based on the analysis in this report, of the Federal Government frequency bands between 100 and 1000 MHz, only the 162–174 MHz and 406.1–420 MHz federally allocated bands satisfy the criteria of comparable spectrum and can be considered alternative frequencies.

The FCC's companion report is included alongside this report.

Keywords: spectrum engineering; spectrum management

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.

Back to Search Results