As part of its effort to expand the opportunity for innovation in wireless services, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed several actions to expand access to mid-band spectrum available for terrestrial fixed and mobile broadband use.
In an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed to add a mobile allocation to all 500 megahertz in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band. On this proposed change, the Commission is seeking comments on options for transitioning part or all of the band for more flexible use. The Commission has also requested comments on potentially allowing more intensive point-to-multipoint fixed use in some portions of the band on a shared basis, and how to protect incumbent users from harmful interference.
Toward this end, the Commission has also ordered that Fixed Satellite Service earth stations currently operating in the 3.7-4.2 GH band to certify the accuracy of existing registration and license information.
Comments on the FCC’s proposed mid-band spectrum usage changes must be filed by mid-September.
