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 U.S. 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 3 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 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. U.S. domestic spectrum uses may differ from international allocations that comply with international regulations or bilateral agreements. Background information is available at http://ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/allochrt.html.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration. 2003. U.S. Frequency Allocation Chart. Accessed July 15, 2007. http://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. Courtesy of the Office of Spectrum Management. In “2nd Iteration (2006): The Power of Reference Systems,” Places & Spaces: Mapping Science, edited by Katy Börner and Deborah MacPherson. http://scimaps.org.