NTIA Offers Plan To Increase Spectrum For Wireless Broadband
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued a report today recommending that 115 MHz of radio spectrum be reallocated for wireless broadband service within the next five years.
NTIA is offering to free 15 MHz of spectrum by consolidating what is now used for meteorological observations. Another 100 MHz would come from sharing federal radar bands with private users. The federal radar bands used for Navy ships are in areas of the country that are currently beyond the reach of radars.
The plan to round up and better use 115 MHz is a critical step toward President Obama’s goal to offer an additional 500 MHz of spectrum over the next decade.
This NTIA announcement comes two months after the FCC unanimously approved details of a plan to bring “super Wi-Fi” to consumers. That was the biggest release of spectrum in 25 years, and will allow next generation wireless technologies to emerge.The following statement can be attributed to Computer & Communications Industry Association President & CEO Ed Black:“This additional spectrum is another key step toward allowing more people to access the data they want from wherever they want. This is welcome news for consumers and for those that are developing the next killer app that will drive further demand for wireless broadband access.“We look forward to hearing about further plans to meet the administration’s goal to offer an additional 500 megahertz of spectrum over the next decade. Incentive auctions of broadcast spectrum will be an important part of the plan to put this valuable national resource to use to benefit the most people.”The following statement can be attributed to Computer & Communications Industry Association Vice President Cathy Sloan:“We are pleased the Obama administration is taking yet another step today toward freeing spectrum to make wireless broadband ubiquitous on community college campuses, at hospitals and in more rural areas.
“This is a concrete step that delivers on the National Broadband Plan. Bringing our national spectrum policy into the 21st Century is critical to innovation and economic growth.”
News
April 6, 2026
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