Print this page US Frequency Allocation Chart
Glenn Baker, P.E.
Course Outline
This one-hour online course introduces the United States Frequency Allocation Chart, identifies the key characteristics used in the chart, and the authoritative source of the data represented in the chart. Radio frequency emissions are regulated by government allocation and international treaties, and misuse can result in legal actions, fines, and most importantly, interference that could jeopardize property and personal safety. Knowledge of the availability of the chart and how to use it will enable the engineer or planner to recognize such possible situations. The radio frequency spectrum is a unique resource in that it is often not confined to geographic, political or physical boundaries.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand which US government agencies allocate and regulate the radio frequency spectrum.
- Be able to identify radio services’ allocated spectrum by frequency;
- Be able to differentiate between government, non-government and shared activity; and
- Be able to identify allocation usage as primary or secondary.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers and planners working with systems that generate or receive radio frequency energy, or that could interfere with radio frequency systems.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendee of this course will be able to determine spectrum allocations and recognize situations that could violate allocations. The attendee will have a source of the basic information represented in the chart, as well as a reference to the underlying authoritative details.
Course Introduction
In the United States, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), as part of the US Department of Commerce, manages the Federal government’s use of the radio frequency spectrum. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) manages non-Federal usage, as well as enforces spectrum utilization regulations.
The key resource of information used in this course is the United States Frequency Allocations Chart, dated August 2011, published by the US Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This chart represents frequency allocations issued by the FCC and NTIA. The chart is a visual representation of the “Table of Frequency Allocations” maintained by the NTIA and detailed in their publication “Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management”, also known as the “NTIA Red Book”. The frequency allocation chart is organized by radio service, activity and allocation.
Course Content
In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following documents:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
Course Summary
The vast amount of radio frequency emissions in our everyday lives is regulated and each service is allocated spectrum based on needs and the limited resource of the radio frequency spectrum. Engineers and planners should be aware of regulations that govern radio frequency spectrum usage, as well as the potential for interference, so that proper precautions can be taken during project design, deployment and maintenance.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
