White House Releases New Reports on 5G Spectrum Strategy

As the U.S. looks to lead the way in the advancement of 5G technology, supported by the recent introduction of the 5G Leadership Act, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) recently announced the release of two new reports to help inform the National Spectrum Strategy, and maintain U.S. leadership in the wireless technology space.

OSTP notes that U.S. telecommunications operators intend to invest $275 billion to deploy 5G networks. This supports the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to host the largest spectrum auction in U.S. history, which will begin in December. ASME first reported on this auction, which falls under the FCC’s 5G FAST Plan here: https://www.asme.org/about-asme/advocacy-government-relations/policy-publications/capitol-update/april-26-2019-capitol-update#4

The two new reports “Research and Development Priorities for American Leadership in Wireless Communications,” and “Emerging Technologies and their Expected Impact on Non-Federal Spectrum Demand” were released in response to presidential memorandum President Trump released last year that calls on the Commerce Secretary to create a long-term spectrum plan in support of national security. In his memorandum, Trump noted that “America’s national security depends on technological excellence and the United States Government must continue to have access to the spectrum resources needed to serve the national interest, from protecting the homeland and managing the national airspace, to forecasting severe weather and exploring the frontiers of space.”

Among the findings in both reports, they provide a set of three priorities to help shape U.S. 5G and wireless telecommunications policy moving forward:

• Pursue spectrum flexibility and agility to use multiple bands and new waveforms.
• Improve near real-time spectrum awareness.
• Increase spectrum efficiency and effectiveness through secure autonomous spectrum decision making.

To view President Trump’s 2018 Presidential Memorandum, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-memorandum-developing-sustainable-spectrum-strategy-americas-future/

To view the report “Research and Development Priorities for American Leadership in Wireless Communications,” visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Research-and-Development-Priorities-for-American-Leadership-in-Wireless-Communications-Report-May-2019.pdf

To view the report “Emerging Technologies and their Expected Impact on Non-Federal Spectrum Demand,” visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Emerging-Technologies-and-Impact-on-Non-Federal-Spectrum-Demand-Report-May-2019.pdf