The important debate over how to best manage the nation’s wireless spectrum to support future commercial and governmental operations has significant implications for the growth of wireless service and America’s ability to meet critical security needs. In a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell outlines how Congress and the country can best be ready for the future — by rejecting the notion that the only solution is an either/or zero-sum approach, and embrace the forward-thinking dynamic shared spectrum model.
The need for a modern approach to spectrum management
Wireless spectrum is a vital resource that powers everything from smartphones and Wi-Fi to military communications. Historically, the U.S. has used a “clear-and-auction” model, where federal agencies vacated spectrum bands for exclusive use by commercial entities.
- This approach has become increasingly challenged and costly, often requiring billions of taxpayer dollars and taking decades to implement.
The way forward is the use of shared spectrum models, which leverage modern technologies like dynamic spectrum management and sensing technologies to promote competition and efficient use of public spectrum.
- These models enable commercial and federal users to coexist within the same spectrum bands, eliminating the need for lengthy and expensive relocations.
Proven success stories: Wi-Fi and CBRS
The potential of shared spectrum has already been proven effective through Wi-Fi and the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS).
Wi-Fi is the backbone of the internet, carrying significantly more consumer data — and close to 90 percent of all smartphone data — than cellular networks.
- Wi-Fi, which operates on shared, unlicensed spectrum, is projected to contribute $2.4 trillion in annual economic value by 2027.
- Wi-Fi technology already coexists with vital national security systems and public safety networks without interference. Expanding this model into the 7/8 GHz band would support additional economic and innovative growth created by Wi-Fi without displacing crucial federal uses, including national security and border security.
In the CBRS band, a shared spectrum model is encouraging the development of new commercial uses with providers of 5G services that successfully and safely share licensed spectrum with the U.S. Navy.
- The CBRS framework has fostered widespread innovation with over 400,000 base stations deployed across various sectors, from airports to manufacturing plants.
- The CBRS band has put the U.S. at the global forefront of private wireless networks, and policymakers can foster further growth and competition without displacing crucial military radar systems used by warfighters to protect our country domestically and abroad by extending the CBRS framework into the 3.1 GHz band.
The benefits of spectrum sharing
The advantages of shared spectrum extend beyond just efficiency:
- Economic growth: By facilitating faster deployment of advanced wireless services, shared spectrum drives innovation across industries, from manufacturing to education.
- Job creation: Businesses everywhere heavily depend on Wi-Fi for their daily operations. Increased competition from shared-spectrum models brings more businesses into the market, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
- National security: Shared spectrum prevents the expensive and disruptive displacement of critical military operations while ensuring U.S. forces maintain technological superiority.
A path forward for policymakers
By adopting coexistence models, the U.S. can expand commercial spectrum access without compromising national security. The letter sent to the committee urges Congress to restore the FCC’s authority to manage spectrum auctions while prioritizing coexistence and shared frameworks for future bands, including the 3.1 and 7/8 GHz bands.
As wireless technology continues to proliferate, the U.S. must embrace shared spectrum strategies to maintain its global leadership in innovation and national security. Policymakers now have an opportunity to pave the way for a future where spectrum sharing drives both economic prosperity and military readiness—a true win-win for the nation.