Comments on FCC Automated Identification Systems Proceeding

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an essential tool to provide vessel information critical to maritime safety and homeland security. NTIA believes that to provide the coverage necessary for AIS, there must a nationwide allocation of Channel 87B for exclusive AIS use. An exclusive nationwide allocation would allow the more efficient satellite detection of AIS signals, a method which is necessary to extend the coverage of AIS. In addition, an exclusive allocation will ensure that co-channel, non-AIS signals, will not interfere with the transmission or reception of AIS signals.