U.S. Frequency Allocations Chart

The Spectrum Chart of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the United States Department of Commerce, also known as the Frequency Allocations Wall Chart, depicts the radio frequency spectrum allocations to radio services operated within the United States. The chart graphically partitions the radio frequency spectrum–extending from 9 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz)–into more than 450 frequency bands. Color coding distinguishes the allocations for the 30 different radio services. This chart helps widely diverse audiences gain a general understanding of U.S. domestic spectrum allocation policies. The chart, published in October 2003, depicts the allocation decisions that were made by the NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) up to July 1, 2003; it replaces a similar chart printed by NTIA in 1996. The U.S. domestic spectrum uses may differ from international allocations that comply with international regulations or bilateral agreements. The chart was produced in Adobe PageMaker. Copies of the chart and background information are available at www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/allochrt.html.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration. 2003. U.S. Frequency Allocations Charts, by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Washington, DC. Courtesy of the Office of Spectrum Management. In Katy Börner & Deborah MacPherson (Eds.), 2nd Iteration (2006): The Power of Reference Systems, Places and Spaces: Mapping Science.