WASHINGTON — Given the complex issues surrounding the re-allocation of certain segments of the radio frequency spectrum, the U.S. government should refrain from moving ahead with plans at this time to make more frequencies available for commercial use, according to a draft report from the General Accounting Office (GAO).

The report, prepared at the behest of Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), concludes that conflicting assessments of the implications of freeing up more radio spectrum for commercial use requires more study. The GAO also said a standard must be agreed upon by which the effect of freeing such spectrum can be determined.

"Among the report’s major conclusions is that additional technical and operational analysis is required to determine the impact of new technology systems on military operations," Inhofe said in a July 23 statement.

The tremendous increase in the use of cellular telephones and other wireless systems has resulted in a growing demand to open up more regions of the spectrum now reserved for government or military use to commercial entities.

Critics of this approach contend the military depends on these frequencies, in the 1755- to 1850-megahertz range of the radio spectrum, for critical operational needs as well as training, and there is no set plan in place to govern the sharing of these frequencies. Among other things, the military uses frequencies in this portion of the spectrum to control its satellites.

The GAO proposes a set of five issues that should be addressed before any decision concerning re-allocation can be reached. These include more detailed analysis from the Pentagon on the potential impact of new generations of wireless systems on Pentagon operations; costs the military might accrue if forced to vacate certain frequencies; and more detailed understanding of those areas that should remain subject to military control.

"This is clearly a serious issue that deserves immediate attention," Inhofe said.