US agencies vow closer spectrum coordination after 5G air standoff

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on Tuesday vowed to improve coordination on spectrum management after a 5G aviation dispute threatened flights. The agencies said they will work cooperatively to resolve spectrum policy issues and will hold formal, regular meetings to conduct joint spectrum planning. Earlier this month, lawmakers blasted the FCC and FAA for failing to avoid an embarrassing last-minute standoff between the aviation and wireless industries. The FCC and NTIA will update a memorandum of understanding to "address gaps in government coordination." The agencies vowed to "recommit to scientific integrity and evidence-based policymaking and "foster proactive technical exchange and engagement with industry and other federal agencies by participating in cross-agency advisory groups." New NTIA head Alan Davison will testify on Wednesday before a House subcommittee, pledging "a coordinated, national approach to spectrum use."<br/>