Spectrum IT Modernization: NTIA Should Fully Incorporate Cybersecurity and Interoperability Practices

As demand for wireless spectrum grows with emerging technologies like 5G, the NTIA is working to modernize its outdated spectrum IT systems to better serve federal needs. While progress has been made, the GAO found gaps in cybersecurity planning, risk management, and cloud access documentation. Additionally, NTIA’s efforts to coordinate with other agencies were strong, but it lacked a formal data governance plan to guide interoperability. Without these critical improvements, federal spectrum management could face ongoing efficiency and security challenges.