The Radio Frequency or Communications Spectrum is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. Communications data can be efficiently transmitted at lower frequencies and longer wavelengths than visible light. Communications data is transmitted via radio waves in the frequency range of 3 kHz (kilohertz) to 300 GHz (gigahertz) of the electromagnetic spectrum, while visible light exists at much higher frequencies from 430 to 750 tHz (terahertz.)

For more information about the physical properties of the electromagnetic spectrum and its radio frequency segment, see the Related Sites page

Policy and Management Overview

The Telecommunications Act of 1934 granted control of the public airwaves to the Federal Government. Under the oversight of Congress, the Federal Communications Commision allocates and manages all of the radio spectrum, not reserved for Federal and Military uses. A large percentage of this valuable public resource is licensed for free or at greatly discounted rates to service and content providers in the telecommunications industry. These low rates create a disincentive for efficient spectrum usage, which propogates the myth of spectrum scarcity.