FCC Takes Steps to Make Millimeter Wave Spectrum Available for 5G and Other Advanced Services

The Federal Communications Commission continued its efforts to make millimeter wave spectrum available for 5G, the Internet of Things, and other advanced spectrum-based services, including satellite broadband services. The Fifth Report and Order adopted takes two actions. First, the Commission adopted rules to allow Fixed-Satellite Service earth stations to be individually licensed to transmit in the 50 GHz spectrum band. This action will allow Fixed-Satellite Service operators to provide faster, more advanced services to their customers. Second, the Commission established a coordination process to accommodate the military’s potential need for additional sites in the Upper 37 GHz band, while protecting the interests of non-Federal licensees in this band. The steps taken are an integral step toward the auction of the Upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz and 47 GHz spectrum bands slated to begin later in 2019. The actions taken are building blocks of the nation’s 5G future and will contribute to economic growth, job creation, and our nation’s global competitiveness.