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GAO-13-78R 1 (2012-11-20)

handle is hein.gao/gaobacgrm0001 and id is 1 raw text is: JGAO Accountability * Integrity * Reliability United States Government Accountability Office Washington, DC 20548 November 20, 2012 The Honorable John D. Rockefeller IV Chairman The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison Ranking Member Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation United States Senate The Honorable Fred Upton Chairman The Honorable Henry A. Waxman Ranking Member Committee on Energy and Commerce House of Representatives Subject: Spectrum Management: FCC's Licensing Approach in the 11, 18, and 23 Gigahertz Bands Currently Supports Spectrum Availability and Efficiency Radio-frequency spectrum is a natural resource that is used to provide an array of wireless communications services critical to the U.S. economy and a variety of government functions, such as scientific research, national defense, homeland security, and other vital public safety activities. As new spectrum-dependent technologies and services are brought to market and government users develop new mission needs, the demand for spectrum continues to increase and additional capacity will be needed to accommodate future growth that cannot be addressed through more efficient use of wireless technologies. A primary driver of the increased demand for spectrum has been the significant growth in commercial wireless broadband services, including third and fourth generation technologies that are increasingly used with smart phones and tablet computers.1 To accommodate this growth, common carriers, such as cellular phone companies and other telecommunications firms providing communication services to the public, often rely on wireless methods, such as fixed point-to- point microwave service, to transmit data.2 Fixed point-to-point microwave service refers to a radio communication between two fixed points, such as between two stationary cell phone towers. These connections, known as links, are used for a variety of purposes, including connecting cellular sites to the telephone network and relaying television signals. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-an independent agency that regulates spectrum use for commercial and other nonfederal users-manages spectrum through 1Wireless broadband comprises both fixed and mobile wireless communication services. Fixed-wireless broadband refers to stationary wireless devices or systems that provide high-speed Internet access from a fixed location. Mobile broadband refers to wireless high-speed Internet access through a portable device, such as a cell phone. 2According to FCC, a microwave frequency is any frequency at or above 890 megahertz (MHz). GAO-1 3-78R Spectrum Management Page 1

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