ODV,

Shortly after the ITU Radio Assembly (RA-23) opened in the UAE this morning preparatory to WRC-23 commencing next Monday, The White House released its “National Spectrum Strategy” document.  This is a high-level policy document, drafted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA, the Administrator of which also serves as the President's principal advisor on telecommunications and information policy) in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP).  I represented ARRL and amateur radio when I spoke at and submitted written comments to one of their public panels last April.

In this document, the Administration seeks to define the process by which national spectrum decisions will be made.  Of particular note to amateur radio are two main points.

• The Administration seeks to increase innovation and spectrum sharing, and sets in motion a process for further delving into dynamic and opportunistic spectrum sharing in particular, including establishment of a national testbed for dynamic spectrum sharing within the next 18 months.  Clearly it sees (or is hoping) that dynamic sharing could become a viable future means for expanding the capacity of the limited spectrum resource.
• The Administration also notably emphasizes the need for expanded STEM education, and spectrum expertise in particular, to prepare for a future in which meeting the demand for spectrum is essential to the innovation and technological advancement necessary for continued economic growth and global leadership.

On the medium-to-long term, if we wish to keep our spectrum, amateur radio advocates need to keep a close watch for opportunities to contribute and participate at the working level in this endeavor.  There are obvious tie-ins between amateur radio and STEM education, technological know-how, and spectrum expertise.  Getting to know the decision-makers at the working level would be of great benefit.

With regard to specific spectrum under immediate consideration, five specific bands were identified for immediate study.  No new threats emerged from this more-substantive part of the published policy.

1. 3100-3450 MHz (already long-studied for potential sharing or re-allocation completely for commercial 5G);
2. 5030-5091 MHz (under consideration for Unmanned Aircraft Systems [“UAV’s”];
3. 7125-8400 MHz (to be considered for possible wireless broadband services);
4. 18.1 – 18.6 GHz (to be considered for space-to-space purposes – also on agenda at WRC-23);
5. 37.0-37.6 GHz (to be considered for co-equal, shared use by Federal and non-Federal users).

As you can see, only the 3300-3450 MHz amateur spectrum would be impacted, as expected ever since the 2015 WRC worldwide reallocation of this band – and so far the FCC has held firm that amateur operations will be required to cease in this spectrum if/when re-allocated for commercial purposes.  But that re-allocation appears still to be in the future.

The report and associated releases can be viewed at this link: https://www.ntia.doc.gov

As always, direct any questions my way.

Dave K3ZJ

David R. Siddall

Managing Partner

DS Law, PLLC

1629 K St. NW, Ste 300

Washington, DC 20006

direct: +1 202 559 4690

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