The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is joining the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) in the Spectrum Innovation Cooperation Agreement, which seeks innovative R&D advancements on challenges facing the United States because of increasing demands for electromagnetic spectrum access.
The initiative, launched last year by NSF, will ensure that FCC and NTIA staff can provide their subject- matter expertise to help ensure that the program’s investments in spectrum research, infrastructure, and workforce development align with spectrum regulatory and policy objectives, principles, and strategies set by the U.S.
“This Memorandum of Agreement between the National Science Foundation, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission is one step toward revitalizing the interagency coordination process so that it once again is able to produce results for American consumers and the economy,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a press release. “Better coordination between these agencies ultimately means more spectrum and more innovation to help restore American wireless leadership and build the 5G future.”
Key research areas in the initiative include: “spectrum flexibility and agility, working towards real-time spectrum awareness, and improved spectrum efficiency and effectiveness through secure and autonomous spectrum decision-making.”
According to the press release, an immediate goal of the initiative will be to establish the nation’s first National Center for Wireless Spectrum Research.
“Spectrum is the backbone of America’s wireless leadership, and we applaud NSF’s investments in spectrum research and development,” said Evelyn Remaley, Acting NTIA Administrator. “Engaging with spectrum experts from the FCC, NTIA and the NSF on high-impact, cutting-edge research is important to American competitiveness and spectrum sharing.”
