Photo: Via Satellite

The FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) signed an MoU on Tuesday to strengthen collaboration between the agencies on spectrum coordination. There was an existing MoU on this topic, but it had not been updated in nearly 20 years. 

The FCC and NTIA have jointly managed the nation’s radio spectrum resources for years. This MoU is a result of a Spectrum Coordination Initiative the agencies launched in February to improve U.S. government coordination on spectrum management and policy issues. 

Under the MoU, the FCC chair and assistant secretary will hold formal meetings to conduct joint spectrum planning at least quarterly. FCC and NTIA staff also plan to meet at least monthly to exchange information and share their planned spectrum activities for the next 12 months. 

The agencies also committed to coordinating more of their spectrum activities than was required under the prior MOU, including when the agencies are considering actions that would create new spectrum adjacencies. They agree to share information and concerns as early in the spectrum planning process as possible, and develop and implement a process for escalating any disputes. The MoU will now be updated every four years. 

“Next-generation spectrum innovation is going to require next-generation spectrum coordination. We need a whole of government approach — one that draws on the strengths in our national DNA: our hard-wired belief in the creative possibilities of the future, the power of coordination, and the rule of law,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.