Strategic Objective 3: Improve the Public’s Understanding of Radio Frequency Spectrum and Raise Awareness of Its Role In Everyday Life
Developing a National Spectrum Strategy
The radio frequency spectrum, while critical to our everyday lives, remains a complex resource often misunderstood by everyday users. Spectrum plays a vital role in Americans’ daily activities, from education and emergency services to mapping and navigation systems, banking, e-commerce, and telemedicine, as well as for entertainment and staying connected through social media. The U.S. Government will prioritize educating the public about spectrum and the role it plays in their everyday lives and will consider a public service initiative.
In addition to highlighting how citizens rely on, and benefit from, everyday spectrum usage, outreach could spotlight the crucial role of spectrum in critical government missions—especially those involving public safety, scientific endeavors (including weather and climate), and security. Ideally, showcasing the complexities and challenges of spectrum management will spark an interest among a broader community and attract multi-faceted problem solvers to the field.
The U.S. Government will work to raise the public’s overall understanding and appreciation of spectrum and how this complex resource needs to be managed for everyday essential activities, both now and in the future. The more informed the public is, the better equipped it will be to weigh-in and have a voice in determining priorities for competing interests for spectrum access.