Spectrum Management: Federal Relocation Costs and Auction Revenues
Abstract
Allocating radio-frequency spectrum is a challenging task because of competing commercial and government demands. In 2006, FCC auctioned spectrum licenses in the 1710-1755 MHz band that had previously been allocated for federal use. To meet the continued demand for commercial wireless services, NTIA assessed the viability of reallocating the 1755-1850 MHz band to commercial use; this band is currently assigned to more than 20 federal users, including DOD. In March 2012, NTIA reported that it would cost $18 billion over 10 years to relocate most federal operations from the band, raising questions about whether relocating federal users is a sustainable approach. GAO was directed to review the costs to relocate federal spectrum users and revenues from spectrum auctions. This report addresses (1) estimated and actual relocation costs, and revenue from the previously auctioned 1710-1755 MHz band; (2) the extent to which DOD followed best practices to prepare its preliminary cost estimate for vacating the 1755-1850 MHz band; and (3) existing government or industry forecasts for revenue from an auction of the 1755-1850 MHz band. GAO reviewed relevant reports; interviewed DOD, FCC, NTIA, and OMB officials and industry stakeholders; and analyzed the extent to which DODs preliminary cost estimate met best practices as identified in GAO's Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide (Cost Guide). FCC agreed with the report's findings and DOD, FCC, and NTIA provided technical comments that were incorporated as appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1176401
Entities
People
- Bert Japikse
- Colin Fallon
- Elizabeth Wood
- Elke Kolodinski
- Emile Ettedgui
- Jay Tallon
- Jennifer Echard;
- Jonathan Carver
- Joshua Ormond
- Leia Dickerson
- Mark L. Goldstein
- Michael Clements
- Stephen Brown
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office