Strategic Objective 3: Define Requirements and Implement Capabilities to Capture Essential Data and Information on Spectrum Use
Developing a National Spectrum Strategy
Spectrum management relies upon trustworthy data. That means validating current uses and representing future access needs in a comparable manner across stakeholders and uses. Evidence-based decisions require standardized, granular data to ensure that requests for expanded spectrum access are justified by current or likely future needs and to understand the criticality of those operations. The U.S. Government will work to modernize spectrum management capabilities that include tools suitable for both public and private sectors, to collect and use higher-fidelity data, including, but not limited to:
- time of use,
- waveforms,
- and area of operation.
NTIA's effort to modernize its spectrum management infrastructure represents a positive first step towards this goal.
Data about current real-world usage, the purpose and type of use (active or passive), as well as occupancy in the time, frequency, and geography domains, is needed as the basis for assessing the potential for increased capacity. Using the new collaborative framework, stakeholders also will develop a structured schema for documenting and identifying future spectrum access requirements and a recurring process to solicit future requirements, enabling long-term planning. Such a strategic, forward-looking process is important to provide sufficient lead-time for proper planning and implementation of changes to authorized spectrum use.
Besides improving the available data, compatibility studies will seek to employ new or modified validated models, developed through best practices and real-world measurements as appropriate. If determined necessary, stakeholders (working through the same collaborative framework) will articulate to the research and development community gaps in capabilities and needs related to improved modeling to inform the decision-making process. Using new or upgraded validated models will bolster stronger acceptance of the results of studies assessing the potential for coexistence.
Of course, maintaining U.S. spectrum leadership internationally often requires bold and decisive action. As we work to bolster our modeling and measurement capabilities, we will not let the desire for more perfect information take precedence over this critical national interest.