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1 1 (February 14, 2022)

handle is hein.crs/govefgw0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional Research Service Informing the legislative debate since 1914 S February 14, 2022 National Spectrum Policy: Interference Issues in the 5G Context Radio Spectrum as a National Resource Most wireless technologies, including mobile communications, radionavigation systems (e.g., the Global Positioning System, GPS), radar systems, satellites, and radio and television broadcasting, rely on a range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation to transmit signals and data. Radio spectrum is the continuum of frequencies allocated for various radiocommunication services. Spectrum is an invisible, vital, and limited resource for the nation's economic well-being, security, science, and safety. The Code of Federal Regulations specifies frequency allocations between 8.3 kilohertz (kHz) and 275 gigahertz (GHz). This portion of the spectrum is divided into about 800 bands (or groups of frequencies) for over 30 types of communication services, based on frequency characteristics. Some frequencies can travel long distances and penetrate seawater, making them useful for land-to- submarine communications. Other frequencies can travel a few miles and penetrate obstacles (e.g., buildings), making them useful for mobile communications. Radio communication involves the transmission and reception of signals by a radio system. Intended signals may be interfered with by signals transmitted on the same frequency at the same time as well as by spill-over from signals transmitted on adjacent frequencies. Spectrum use is regulated and coordinated to minimize interference and maximize its efficient and productive use. Regulatory Framework for Spectrum For cross-border radio operations and frequency allocations, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations, issues a collection of Radio Regulations (RR), an international agreement reached by member nations, including the United States. Nations present and discuss spectrum allocation and use positions at international meetings, including the ITU's World Radiocommunication Conference that revises and adopts the RR. Nations also align their domestic regulations with ITU regulations, but may adopt different policies that align with their national interests and priorities. In the United States, the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, assigned joint jurisdiction over spectrum regulation to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the President. The FCC regulates nonfederal spectrum use. Commercial entities and state and local governments generally obtain a license from the agency to transmit on an allocated frequency. During the licensing process, the FCC's primary consideration is whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity will be served. The President has the authority to assign frequencies for federal use. Since 1978, this power has been delegated to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency in the Department of Commerce. Federal users must obtain frequency assignments and comply with NTIA regulations and guidance. Its policy priority is to ensure a balance between vital federal operations and commercial use. NTIA has the statutory responsibility to present to the FCC the views of the executive branch on telecommunications. It chairs and receives advice from the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee, which consists of representatives of 20 departments and agencies that use spectrum. Coordination of Spectrum Policy The FCC and NTIA coordinate spectrum allocations, which are not perpetual and may be reassigned. By statute (47 U.S.C. §922), the agencies must meet regularly to conduct joint spectrum planning. They maintain a memorandum of understanding (MOU) setting terms of coordination. Moreover, a frequency allocated primarily for federal use may be used for nonfederal purposes on a mixed-use basis (subject to conditions). Over 90% of U.S. radio spectrum is shared between federal and nonfederal users. The FCC and NTIA coordinate this sharing to avoid harmful interference and resolve technical, procedural, and policy differences. Spectrum Repurposing According to a 2011 Government Accountability Office report, over 60 federal users hold about 240,000 frequency assignments for a variety of purposes, including air navigation and traffic control communications, national defense, land management, and law enforcement. To address the growing demand for spectrum for wireless broadband technologies, including fifth-generation (5G) telecommunications, Congress has directed NTIA to identify federal frequencies that can be reallocated to the FCC for nonfederal or shared use. As of 2020, NTIA and the FCC had made a total of 1,131 megahertz of mid-band (1-10 GHz) spectrum available for commercial 5G services. Interference Issues An emission that falls outside its intended frequency and spills over into adjacent frequencies is an out-of-band emission (OOBE) and a major source of interference. Common methods to mitigate OOBE interference are to create a guard band of unused frequencies between the intended and adjacent frequencies and to reduce the power level of transmitters in adjacent frequencies. The FCC and NTIA use the term harmful interference as defined in the ITU's RR. The term indicates interference at a level that endangers the functioning of a radionavigation ittps://Crsreports.congress.gt

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