FCC Proposes to Expand Flexible Use of Mid-Band Spectrum

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which identifies new opportunities for flexible use in up to 500 megahertz of mid-band spectrum between 3.7 and 4.2 GHz. The proposals set forth several steps toward making more mid-band spectrum available for terrestrial fixed and mobile broadband use.

1. The Order will require Fixed-Satellite Service earth stations operating in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band to certify the accuracy of existing registration and license information and will collect additional information from space station licensees on their operations in the band to assist the Commission and commenters in developing a clearer understanding of how the band is currently being used. The Commission will then use this information to evaluate the most efficient way to drive the deployment of mid-band spectrum for mobile services and more intensive fixed services.
2. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking advances the FCC’s goal of making spectrum available for new wireless uses while treating existing users in the band fairly.
3. The Notice proposes to add a mobile (except aeronautical mobile) allocation to all 500 megahertz in the band and seeks comment on various proposals for transitioning part or all of the band for flexible use, working up from 3.7 GHz, including market-based, auction, and alternative mechanisms.
4. The Notice also seeks comment on allowing more intensive point-to-multipoint fixed use in some portion of the band, on a shared basis, working down from 4.2 GHz and on how to define and protect incumbent users from harmful interference, and it seeks comment on service and technical rules that would enable efficient and intensive use by any new services in the band.

The actions build on the FCC's 2017 Notice of Inquiry, which began an evaluation of whether various spectrum bands between 3.7 GHz and 24 GHz can be made available for flexible use.