Conclusions

Original plans for identifying spectrum to support third generation mobile wireless systems by July 30, 2001, and to auction licenses by September 30, 2002, were premature. We agree with FCC and the Department of Commerce that delaying the identification of spectrum and the auction of licenses for third generation wireless systems could serve the public interest. Adequate information is not currently available to fully identify and address the uncertainties and risks of reallocation. Thus, DOD and the federal government could make decisions affecting national security without knowing the full extent of risks they face or the steps available to reduce those risks. Extending the current schedule for identification and auction of licenses for this portion of the spectrum would allow DOD to complete technical and operational assessments and to consider future spectrum requirements of DOD systems. In addition, a delay would allow the federal government and DOD to further consider the adequacy of existing national spectrum strategies affecting international agreements and DOD overseas military operations, to modify these strategies as necessary, and to incorporate these strategies into a DOD long-range spectrum plan.
What GAO Found

Current plans for identifying spectrum to support third generation mobile wireless systems by July 30, 2001, and to auction licenses by September 30, 2002, are premature. GAO agrees with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce that delaying the identification of spectrum and the auction of licenses for third generation wireless systems could serve the public interest. Adequate information is not currently available to fully identify and address the uncertainties and risks of reallocation. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the federal government could make decisions affecting national security without knowing the full extent of risks they face or steps available to reduce those risks. Extending the current schedule for the identification and auction of licenses for this portion of the spectrum would allow DOD to complete technical and operational assessments and to consider the nation's future spectrum requirements. In addition, a delay would allow time to further consider the adequacy of existing national spectrum strategies affecting international agreements and for DOD overseas military operations to modify these strategies as necessary and to incorporate them into the nation's long-range spectrum plan.