White House Releases National Spectrum Strategy and Presidential Memorandum

Executive briefing: On November 13, 2023 the White House published the National Spectrum Strategy alongside a Presidential Memorandum on modernizing U.S. spectrum policy. The strategy identifies 2,786 MHz of mid-band spectrum for study, expands dynamic spectrum sharing pilots, and creates a Spectrum Coordination Initiative to strengthen interagency collaboration.

Key policy signals

• Band studies. NTIA and federal agencies will evaluate spectrum in the 3.1–3.45 GHz, 5.03–5.091 GHz, 7.125–8.4 GHz, and 37–37.6 GHz ranges for potential repurposing.
• Resilience priorities. The strategy emphasises resilient 5G and future 6G systems, critical infrastructure connectivity, and supply-chain security.
• Governance. The Presidential Memorandum directs agencies to adopt data-driven spectrum management and formalize dispute resolution processes.

Control alignment

• Frequency planning. Monitor band study timelines when forecasting spectrum availability for private 5G or fixed wireless deployments.
• Risk management. Incorporate resilience objectives and supply-chain requirements from the strategy into telecom sourcing strategies.
• Policy engagement. Participate in NTIA workshops and FCC proceedings that will translate the strategy into allocation decisions.

Action checklist

• Review the strategy’s action items and align enterprise spectrum roadmaps with anticipated sharing pilots.
• Coordinate with federal partners on potential relocation or sharing requirements in studied bands.
• Track implementation milestones published by NTIA and the White House Spectrum Coordination Initiative.

Sources

• White House — Fact Sheet: National Spectrum Strategy (November 13, 2023)
• National Spectrum Strategy (PDF)
• Presidential Memorandum on Modernizing U.S. Spectrum Policy

Zeph Tech advises clients on aligning private wireless and critical communications plans with the National Spectrum Strategy roadmap.