The FCC signed an agreement with the National Science Foundation and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to support NSF’s Spectrum Innovation Initiative. NSF began the initiative last year to seek advancements in research and development on the biggest challenges facing the U.S. because of increasing demand for electromagnetic spectrum access.
FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called the pact “one step toward revitalizing the interagency coordination process so that it once again is able to produce results for American consumers and the economy. Better coordination between these agencies ultimately means more spectrum and more innovation to help restore American wireless leadership and build the 5G future.”
The arrangement between the agencies is intended to guarantee that FCC and NTIA staff can provide their expertise to help ensure that NSF’s investments in spectrum research, infrastructure, and workforce development align with U.S. spectrum regulatory and policy objectives. Key research areas include spectrum flexibility and agility, working towards improved spectrum efficiency and effectiveness through secure and autonomous spectrum decision-making. The first goal will be establishing the U.S.’s first National Center for Wireless Spectrum Research, according to the NSF.
“NSF’s Spectrum Innovation Initiative was created to find ways to maximize our nation’s limited radio spectrum resources,” said Sean Jones, NSF Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. “This agreement will provide enhanced access to NTIA and FCC expertise, helping us focus spectrum research and develop a technologically sophisticated workforce at the speed this nation requires to stay at the forefront of innovation.”
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