Billionaire Vs. Billionaire Saga Set to End: Here’s What’s in the 12 GHz Drafts

The Federal Communications Commission is poised to reject a proposal it has been considering for several years that would have made spectrum between 12.2-12.7 GHz available for mobile use. But the commission is also taking steps to make spectrum in the adjacent 12.7-13.25 GHz band available for mobile or other new uses. The proposal that the FCC is getting set to reject would have allowed two-way mobile operations in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band. Currently the spectrum is restricted to one-way communications and is used by satellite providers, including Dish. The FCC plans to vote later in May 2023 on an order confirming the rejection of the mobile use proposal for the lower portion of the band. The commission will also vote on two notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) detailing plans the FCC is considering for the lower and upper portions of the band – plans that could offer opportunities for fixed and mobile providers. According to drafts of the notices, the FCC plans to invite comment on whether to allow two-way fixed wireless communications in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band. In addition, the commission is considering making spectrum in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band available on a licensed basis to mobile network operators.