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MemoMemorandumObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution

This memorandum directs federal agencies to free up 500 MHz of spectrum over 10 years for wireless broadband use, with the Commerce Department and NTIA leading coordination with the FCC. It mandates a Plan and Timetable by October 1, 2010, establishes an interagency steering group, and requires research into spectrum-sharing technologies, with progress reporting to the National Economic Council, OMB, and OSTP.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 38387

Impact dates

  1. Annual reports until Plan and Timetable completed

  2. Second interim report

  3. NEC/OMB/OSTP recommendations to President on progress

  4. Interim report assessing progress against Plan and Timetable

  5. Plan and Timetable for identifying and making available 500 MHz of spectrum due

Key directives

  • Commerce/NTIA to collaborate with FCC to make available 500 MHz of spectrum over 10 years
  • Commerce/NTIA to complete Plan and Timetable by October 1, 2010
  • Commerce/NTIA to convene PPSG with specified agency heads
  • Commerce/NTIA to submit interim report 180 days after Plan completion, then every 180 days, then annually
  • OMB to incorporate funding and incentives into Plan and Timetable
  • Commerce/NTIA to create and implement spectrum-sharing R&D plan
  • NEC/OMB/OSTP to assess progress and recommend independent review if needed, 45 days after initial interim report

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Establishment of Policy and Plans Steering Group (PPSG)
  • Commerce Secretary/NTIA to begin FCC collaboration on 500 MHz spectrum plan

Near term (90d)

  • Plan and Timetable due October 1, 2010
  • Initial interim report due 180 days after Plan completion (approximately April 2011)

Long term

  • 500 MHz spectrum to be made available over 10 years (by 2020)
  • Annual progress reports until Plan completion
  • Ongoing spectrum-sharing technology R&D

Risks & tensions

  • 10-year timeline creates implementation risk across administrations
  • Spectrum reallocation may conflict with existing Federal/DoD/national security uses
  • Dependent on appropriations and existing budgets per Section 6
  • Strong encouragement to independent agencies (FCC) lacks binding force
  • International coordination implications noted but not specified
Presidential Memorandum: Unleashing the Wireless Broadband Revolution · Executive Orders