500 MHz Initiative
A 2010 Presidential Memorandum directed the Secretary of Commerce, working through NTIA, to collaborate with the Federal Communications Commission to make available a total of 500 megahertz of Federal and nonfederal spectrum over the next 10 years for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use.
This initiative, to nearly double the amount of commercial spectrum, will spur investment, economic growth, and job creation while supporting the growing demand by consumers and businesses for wireless broadband services.
Related content
Ten Year Plan and Timetable to Make Available 500 Megahertz of Spectrum for Wireless Broadband (President's Spectrum Plan Report)
To promote economic growth and unleash the potential of wireless broadband, President Obama unveiled an initiative to reform spectrum policy and improve America’s wireless infrastructure. In June 2010, the President signed a Memorandum calling for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to make 500 megahertz of spectrum available for fixed and mobile wireless broadband in the next ten years. This will improve America’s economic competiveness, create jobs and help maintain America’s leadership role in technological innovation. This report outlines the plans and milestones to achieve the President’s 500 megahertz goal. The release of this roadmap together with NTIA’s Fast Track Evaluation marks the successful completion of a critical step in the process of freeing up 500 megahertz for use by wireless broadband.
- Ten Year Plan and Timetable to Make Available 500 MHz of Spectrum for Wireless Broadband
First Interim Progress Report on the Ten Year Plan and Timetable
This report documents the actions and accomplishments completed in the execution and implementation of the Ten Year Plan to identify and make available 500 megahertz of spectrum for expanded wireless broadband use, and summarizes the actions to date resulting from the recommendations of the Fast Track Study. It covers the period from October 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011.