itif.org | enotrans.org
Filling Gaps in US Spectrum Allocation:
Reforms for Collaborative Management
JOE KANE, GARETT SHRODE, JESSICA DINE
AND ROBERT PUENTES | FEBRUARY 2023
Interrelated gaps and failures in the process and policies used to efficiently allocate spectrum
demand comprehensive reform. To prevent future failures, policymakers must improve device
performance, increase data gathering and sharing, and clarify the spectrum allocation process.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Spectrum allocation takes place within an established process defined by international
standards, legislation, regulations, and norms.
There are gaps in this process, such as insufficient information gathering and sharing
early in the process, lack of rigorous technical standards and analysis, and inadequate
adherence to the process.
To prevent future breakdowns, spectrum users and regulators should improve their
understanding of spectrum-using devices’ performance and take steps to enhance it with
assistance from auction revenues.
Government personnel should establish strong working relationships between agencies to
better understand and resolve potential interference disputes collaboratively and at a
technical, rather than political, level.
Congress should ensure agencies have sufficient resources to conduct necessary technical
analysis, and regulators should apply that analysis to impartially balance competing
interests.
All participants in the spectrum allocation process should adhere to the established
interagency process, and the White House should vigorously support jurisdictional
boundaries.
