The FCC (PDF) this week laid out plans to ensure that the country has enough spectrum prepared for 5G service.
The agency published new rules for millimeter wave spectrum in the 24 GHz and 37 GHz bands. For example, in the 24 GHz band the FCC adapted a rule requiring interoperability between forthcoming terrestrial 5G service and the existing Fixed Satellite Service for which the band is currently used.
The agency also set a band plan for spectrum aggregation rules for the lower 37 GHz band. It denied some requests from unnamed entities to permit geographic area-based licensing for the bands.
The FCC is also seeking input in freeing up an additional 2.75 GHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 42 GHz bands, which it will coordinate with use of the lower 37 GHz band.
“The Commission takes these actions in response to the growing demand for spectrum-based services and to facilitate the development of 5G,” said the agency. “The Commission will continue to take steps to facilitate access to additional low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum for the benefit of American consumers.”
The first such step gets underway in November with the forthcoming auction for 28 GHz spectrum.
