Federal Communications Commission Seeks to Improve Radio Spectrum Management Policies

The Federal Communications Commission has started an investigation to better understand non-federal radio spectrum usage and how its management can be improved by new data sources and technology such as artificial intelligence.

In a notice of inquiry posted on Friday, the FCC said that AI could streamline spectrum use and lead to new spectrum-sharing techniques as the radio-frequency environment grows more crowded.

The FCC has set an Oct. 3 deadline for responses, Via Satellite reported Friday.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel explained that AI could enable wireless devices to autonomously manage transmissions and avoid harmful interference. She said the inquiry could yield data to improve the agency’s spectrum policies.

Rosenworcel added that she aims for the inquiry to transform spectrum scarcity into abundance.

To prevent signal interference between non-geostationary orbit satellite operators, the FCC recently adopted new rules to temporarily protect organizations that secured licenses earlier. According to Rosenworcel, the regulations are meant to encourage coordination and information sharing among providers.