The overarching goal is to cultivate more resilient and capable radio frequency systems across the U.S. wireless landscape that can be adopted while minimizing developmental risk.

Federal spectrum users must incorporate spectrum efficiency requirements early in their acquisitions of spectrum-utilizing systems. For instance, when developing spectrum-dependent systems to meet mission requirements, agencies should use state-of-the-art technologies and advanced operational techniques to maximize coexistence with other spectrum users, including heterogenous uses (i.e., communications and non-communications systems, terrestrial systems, satellite- and space-based capabilities, etc.). Non-Federal users should strive to incorporate spectrum efficiency requirements, where possible, in the acquisition of spectrum-utilizing systems.

Spectrum efficiency and the capacity to coexist depend on receiver characteristics in addition to transmitter operations. Through the collaboration framework, stakeholders from across government and industry will build upon FCC and Federal agency efforts to improve receiver performance by conducting a review of receiver requirements and performance parameters to develop a roadmap for improving receivers’ resistance to harmful interference. Additionally, the Federal Government will encourage private entities to improve receivers’ resistance to harmful interference and develop and offer dual-use technologies and services that are responsive to both commercial and unique Federal requirements. Moreover, the U.S. Government will explore ways to incentivize Federal agencies to procure systems that can operate outside of traditional frequency allocations and across frequency bands, if authorized.

These actions are intended to facilitate investments in efficiency for spectrum-dependent systems with different missions and applications. The U.S. Government will encourage development of technologies that enhance functionality and accelerate the deployment of smart spectrum management capabilities.

U.S. spectrum regulating agencies, Federal agencies, U.S. commercial industry, academia, and technology developers will work collaboratively to encourage dynamic spectrum sharing that employs spectrum management technologies and techniques that increase spectrum-use efficiency and enhance U.S. competitiveness, while taking issues such as cybersecurity into account. These technologies may include, but are not limited to, cloud-based spectrum management, AI/ML, advanced antenna technology, open and interoperable network architectures, cognitive transceiver technologies, advanced RF microelectronics, simultaneous transmit and receive, and edge intelligence. U.S. spectrum-regulating agencies will also explore modernizing rules and regulations to facilitate dynamic spectrum access and coordinate to develop automated spectrum management and analysis tools that could be made available to Federal agency partners and commercial stakeholders.

Both Federal users and wireless industry operators are relying on improved spectrum access techniques and technologies to meet growing requirements for spectrum access. Technologies alone will not suffice to ensure that spectrum sharing is successful, however—it is equally important that sharing regimes incentivize commercial investment and innovation. Thus, updating the incentives of all spectrum users is a critical component for U.S. economic growth and technological competitiveness. NTIA, in collaboration with the FCC and industry, will study the commercial incentives associated with different approaches to spectrum sharing to ensure that approaches to dynamic spectrum sharing incorporate economic considerations.

Spectrum sharing opportunities are also a consideration when reallocation decisions are proposed. Whenever possible, and ideally early in the process of considering potential repurposing, NTIA will encourage collaboration between Federal agencies, non-Federal users (including Tribal Nations), and prospective new users of a spectrum band to consider coexistence mechanisms that leverage technology, expertise, and knowledge of the involved parties to safeguard incumbent missions—whether Federal or non-Federal. Evolving to a “designed to share whenever feasible” mindset will accelerate efficient and effective use of spectrum for all users.

In addition, U.S. spectrum-regulating agencies will consider establishing targeted engagements with agencies affected by potential repurposing and provide them enterprise capabilities for modeling electromagnetic compatibility. Consistent with the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology, the U.S. Government will prioritize collaboration with industry to advance spectrum-sharing approaches and technologies in global standards bodies, where appropriate.

Finally, NTIA, working with Federal agencies, will continue to pursue development of an enduring, scalable mechanism to manage shared spectrum access, including through the development of a common spectrum management platform. Federal agencies will cooperate to support the common platform and, to the maximum extent feasible, transition Federal-to-Federal sharing to the common platform. Furthermore, the common platform will be considered for the sharing of spectrum among Federal and non-Federal uses, including Tribal Nations, any time spectrum repurposing is assessed.