National Spectrum Strategy Is a Good Sign for US Spectrum Policy, Says ITIF

WASHINGTON— In response to the Biden administration issuing a National Spectrum Strategy, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, released the following statement from Joe Kane, director of broadband and spectrum policy:

The Biden administration has taken some good early steps to fix the United States’ broken spectrum policy. By issuing the National Spectrum Strategy, this administration shows that it’s taking seriously the need for greater commercial access to midband frequencies and reaffirming the NTIA-led executive branch process for evaluating spectrum policy issues.

In particular, the strategy is commendable for emphasizing the need for evidence-based information sharing and long-term planning, which in tandem would have helped the United States avert some past spectrum disputes. It also positively envisions a permanent process to replenish the spectrum pipeline and rightly identifies specific bands for potential commercial uses. Unfortunately, it shies away from including the 4.2 GHz band on that list.

The strategy is also, by its nature, not self-enforcing. Federal agencies must put its vision into practice by demonstrating a willingness to do more than protect the status quo.

Working with new technologies and cooperating with commercial wireless interests can enhance U.S. national security and wireless leadership.