NTIA also develops technical and operational criteria for the sharing of radio services, assists in the coordination between government and commercial users, assigns frequencies to radio stations operated by the United States government, and cooperates with other governments to allocate and define the operational and technical use of radio spectrum. U.S. industry particularly benefits from NTIA's leadership in international and regional fora where agreements on the use of spectrum are forged. Working with these organizations, NTIA has been instrumental in establishing common spectrum usage for the next generation of personal communications devices, many of which will be American-made. NTIA's promotion of global spectrum usage and standards allows U.S. firms to take advantage of economies of scale both in manufacturing and in the provision of services. With common standards, a U.S. company can produce a single radio communication device for use both in this country and abroad.
International broadcasting requires worldwide spectrum allocations.
The U.S. uses the international broadcasting spectrum to promote the free flow of information and to disseminate public information and democratic ideals to oppressed peoples. Worldwide radio spectrum allocations are essential to promote and support commerce, trade, and travel involving the international maritime and aviation communities. Spectrum allocations and operational and technical standards are necessary for enroute communications, final approach, ground control, vessel traffic systems, in-port management and logistical communications, and for passenger connection to the public telephone network. Military operations require internationally agreed spectrum for such needs as land, ship, and air-borne radar navigation and location systems, satellite communications for tactical operations as well as logistical support needs, surface and air tactical communications, early warning systems, command and control communications, and weapons and armament systems. As international terrorism and drug smuggling increase, worldwide cooperation and global agreement become more important.