is lengthening. On the one hand, the potential consequences of inadequate spectrum management are increasing in terms of severity of effects upon our security and society. On the other hand, the potential benefits from improved spectrum management are increasing in their contribution to solutions of national problems. OTP is responsible for the management and use of the radio spectrum by the U.S. Government and, in coordination with the FCC, for long range planning in this respect. In fulfillment of this responsibility, support is provided by the Department of Commerce, Office of Telecommunications. Continuing questions with respect to the management and use of the radio spectrum include: a. b. c. How can utilization of the spectrum resource by the Federal How can the Federal Government improve the probability of Are the radiations created by use of the spectrum harmful During Fiscal Year 1973, the following projects related to spectrum managment will be completed. a. b. c. Implementation of expanded use of an ADP time-sharing system Continuation of the development of a comprehensive Government 1. Implementation of an equipment characteristics file and 2. 3. Completion of initial operations with a mobile measurement/ monitoring facility to determine actual spectrum occupancy selected Government allocations. Adopted new pre-assignment procedures for the early Establishment of new procedures for the coordination of Executive Branch development of technical bases and criteria for more effective and efficient use of the spectrum, particularly in the areas of wave propagation, radio noise, standards, electromagnetic compatibility/sharing, transmission techniques, and electronmagnetic side effects. d. e. Completion of the first phase of a joint OTP/FCC review of Completion of spectrum planning for U.S. ocean data transmission f. Completion of a survey of U.S. Government spectrum management Ꮒ. i. Completion of a methodology for defining the amount of spectrum Completion of an evaluation of selected methods for determining Work with cognizant departments and agencies of the Federal Government to initiate the implementation of a coordinated multi-agency program to assess potential biological hazards for non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations. Also development of a course of action regarding biological effects of laser frequencies, and non-biological side effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations on electronics and materials. Communications are becoming increasingly indispensable for the accomplishment of more and more Federal agency missions. In addition, the variety of services and suppliers of hardware and services are growing. Sound policies, planning methods and coordination procedures are needed to achieve economy and compatibility of systems while maintaining an aggressive program to identify and capitalize on the benefits of new technology and services. 6. Management of Government Communications. The general functions of continuing importance in coordinating Government communication activities include: a. b. C. d. e. Investigating major new program to identify any unnecessary duplication of research and development, engineering, facilities or capacity. Assessing the need for, and methods of, achieving effective interconnection among Departmental systems and systems serving the Executive Office of the President. Fostering sound economic analyses as one basis for major Improving the coordination between planning for telecommunications Oversceing the establishment of desirable telecommunications During Fiscal Year 1973 the following projects related to the management of Government communications will be completed: a. b. c. Establishment of a policy for implementing the "911" Emergency Development of new policies affecting Government-owned communica- Development of a coordinating structure for law enforcement d. Implementation of revised procedures for the EBS and completion of the analysis and selection of an improved system for EBS activation. e. Completion of a survey of radio navigation systems in use and f. Revision of organizational arrangements for management of the National Communications System to eliminate duplicated or unnecessary coordination functions, strengthen emergency preparedness planning, and encourage the aggressive development of more economical Federal telecommunication usage. g. Completion of an overview of Federal Government telecommunications programs and costs. 7. Emergency Preparedness. Communications capability is vital in any emergency situation, whether natural or man-made. A rapid and reliable communications capability must be available at the outset of any emergency. To help ensure this capability the following actions are necessary: 8. a. The collection of emergency requirements which the telecommunications system must support. b. C. d. A continuing assessment of the capabilities and limitations The development and coordination of a plan to ensure that the Continued liaison with the common carriers to ensure that Computers and Communications. Teleprocessing systems are becoming more and more an indispensable factor in all forms of life, business, personal finance, information services, and entertainment. The complex relationships that are developing between the provision of a service or the marketing of a product and the teleprocessing system used as the means to accomplish this have established teleprocessing systems as a way of life. Many roles are possible, with computers simultaneously performing both informationtransforming and information-switching functions. At one extreme are the purely remote computational services where the computers perform routine data processing tasks, with the input and result communicated to and from the user over a communications line. At the other extreme, computers can serve as an integral part of communications systems, controlling flow of traffic in telephone, teletype and digital communications networks. To encourage the development of teleprocessing systems providing the maximum benefits to all classes of users, the following questions need to be answered: a. How and to what extent will the widespread utilization of teleprocessing systems transform current concepts of information systems and data communications network organization and industry structure? b. What specific national policies will be required to insure During Fiscal Year 1973, the intital work in this area resulted in the development of a computational model of a teleprocessing system that provides an extremely useful and flexible quantitative policy analysis tool. During FY 1973 also, the extent and details of a program to properly address this area were more precisely identified. 94-122 0-73 - 12 CHAPTER III PROGRAM OBJECTIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1974 I. MASS COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA A. Background and General Program Objective. Our private enterprise system of over-the-air radio and televison broadcasting has become the primary vehicle for extending information, entertainment, and public service programming to the public. It has grown and served us well over the last fifty years, but pressures of several kinds are causing increasing strains which suggest that major changes may occur in the coming decade. Public broadcasting is viewed by many as a major "fourth network" alternative to private enterprise broadcasting. New cable broadcasting and TV cassette recording technologies make possible new opportunities for offering diverse programming and information sources tailored to local or individual interests. Disputes over the responsibilities of and individual access to the media are producing both confusion and acrimony in the licensing of broadcast stations and deeper regulatory involvement in the content of broadcasting. Current regulatory processes and industry structures have encountered great difficulty in resolving these problems. Highly interrelated issues such as concentration of media ownership, access, cable TV, public service requirements, program diversity, and "fairness" are being discussed and dealt with by the Government in isolated compartments, inspiring little faith among either the public or the broadcasting industry that any cohesive policies underlie Federal actions. In broadband communications, there is a need to determine and eliminate whatever policy impediments may exist to the efficient economical development of new services via this medium. OTP will provide leadership and direction for interagency projects to this end. It is essential that these issues be dealt with fairly and promptly with the perspective and continuity necessary to impart a sure sense of direction. B. Major Program Plans for 1974. 1. Design experimental (demonstration) projects in broadband communication services for urban and rural users to enable more informed judgments concerning future policy and to shorten the lag between technical development and the provision of actual service. This is a continuation of an effort commenced in Fiscal Year 1973. 2. Determine alternative means technical, economic, institutional, and policy whereby broadband communication services can be provided in rural, low-density areas as a means of making such areas more attractive locations for living and industry. This is a continuation of an effort initiated in Fiscal Year 1973. 3. Determine the economic benefits and costs, and public interest impact of alternative regulatory structures for subscription TV services, including alternatives for the type of services which may be offered on a subscription basis. 4. Examine the economic, technological and legal issues bearing on broadband communications and traditional telephone service. |