White House to Retool Pentagon Airwaves for 5G Networks

The Trump administration outlined a plan to commercialize a swath of military radio frequencies for use in next-generation 5G networks, yielding to cellphone carriers that have sought the spectrum for their own use. The White House plan would arrange for the Federal Communications Commission to auction 100 megahertz of prized mid-band spectrum starting in December 2021, allowing telecom companies to bid on licenses for them. The industry has long sought the rights for more mid-band spectrum, which is considered ideal for new fifth-generation wireless signals because of its extensive bandwidth and reach. The framework, if adopted, would strike a rare compromise among the Pentagon, FCC and other US agencies that have sometimes squabbled over federal 5G policies. Department of Defense officials have been leery of past efforts to commercialize their reserved spectrum. The mid-band spectrum at issue is used for naval radar systems, missile control, and air traffic, among other uses.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said, "I commend the President and Department of Defense for today’s announcement that the 3.45- 3.55 GHz band will be made available for commercial 5G deployment. This is a key milestone in securing United States leadership in 5G. I also would like to thank FCC staff for their work to help create a framework that will promote 5G service in this important band. Together with the spectrum being made available for 5G in the C-band as well as the 3.5 GHz band, we are now on track to have a 530-megahertz swath of mid-band spectrum available for 5G from 3.45 to 3.98 GHz. The FCC looks forward to moving quickly to adopt service rules for the 3.45 GHz band and then hold an auction to bring this prime mid-band spectrum to market.”