Press Release: Commerce's NTIA Seeks Participants for Spectrum Sharing Innovation Test-Bed

Pilot Program to study feasibility of increased spectrum sharing between federal, and commercial users

For Immediate Release:  February 5, 2008
Media Contact:  Todd Sedmak, (202) 482-7002 or tsedmak@ntia.doc.gov

WASHINGTON—The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today in a public notice that the agency will be soliciting participation in the Spectrum Sharing Innovation Test-Bed (Test-Bed).  Participants must notify NTIA of their interest by Feb. 29, 2008.

“The Test-Bed will drive future innovation and the expansion of sharing to benefit government and commercial users, and will build on the successful sharing arrangements at 5 GHz,” Acting Assistant Secretary Meredith A. Baker said.  “The Test-Bed also will explore innovative ways to make greater use of the nation’s airwaves and promote continued economic growth and national security.”

President Bush’s Spectrum Policy Initiative recommended the Test-Bed proposal to enable federal and non-federal users of spectrum to test ideas on new ways to share the finite airwaves.

The Test-Bed will examine Dynamic Spectrum Access technologies employing spectrum sensing and/or geo-location techniques in the 410-420 MHz frequency range.  To address potential interference to incumbent spectrum users, the Test-Bed will be performed in multiple phases that include both laboratory and field measurements.  A public process will be used to review Test-Bed documents.

The Federal Communications Commission also will designate spectrum and provide guidelines for participation in the Test-Bed through a separate public notice.  To read about the FCC public notice, go to www.fcc.gov.
For a copy of the NTIA notice, go to www.ntia.doc.gov.

NTIA is responsible for the development of the domestic and international telecommunications policy of the Executive Branch.

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