Wireless companies have been pushing the FCC to open up more spectrum, especially in the mid- and high-band range, for next-gen use. The Commission will vote on a proposal later this month to allow testing of new wireless technologies in frequencies above 95 GHz.
In 2016, the agency sought public input on possible uses for this spectrum. Suggestions ranged from fixed wireless service to backhaul for 5G to WiFi-like unlicensed applications to next-gen satellite services, according to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
He circulated to his colleagues a Spectrum Horizons proposal, which seeks input on whether to make available up to 102 gigahertz of spectrum for licensed use. Two-thirds of that spectrum would be shared with satellite services, according to Pai in a blog post. “Just to give you a sense of how much spectrum that is, most spectrum currently in use for common commercial services—everything from AM radio to WiFi—takes up less than six gigahertz total, although we continue to push the bounds higher,” says Pai. “I’m also asking whether we should allocate 15.2 gigahertz of spectrum for unlicensed use in four different bands.”
He’s also proposing to add a new type of experimental license that would permit experimental use in any frequency from 95 GHz to three THz, and would provide more flexibility for license holders. Most of this spectrum is shared between federal government agencies and non-federal users, so this plan would continue close coordination with the executive branch.
Finally, Pai also wants to codify a requirement that the agency act on all new technology applications within a year. On the books since 1983, the rule “has long been ignored,” according to the Chairman. “Bottom line: government shouldn’t be a bottleneck for entrepreneurs looking to design a better mousetrap,” says Pai.
February 5, 2018
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