Unlike bandwidth-constrained low band, and infrastructure-intensive high band, mid-band spectrum is the “Goldilocks” of frequencies—not too high, and not too low. The spectrum between 1 and 7 GHz will be crucial for next-generation networks—and it is important the FCC move quickly to transition portions of this spectrum to more efficient use, according to the think tank Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF).
In a report released Tuesday, ITIF Telecom Policy Analyst Doug Brake examines some of the major proceedings that will open up mid-band spectrum, including transitioning portions of the lower C-Band from satellite to terrestrial use, proposing to make room for unlicensed services in the 6 GHz band, and making changes to the 3.5 GHz Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) licenses.
Some of the most prominent interest concerns the lower part of the C-band from 3.7 to 4.2 GHz. Today, this spectrum is used to distribute television and radio programming over satellite—and it could be used more efficiently, according to Brake. How to do that is being fiercely debated among incumbent satellite and cable operators, broadcasters and the wireless industry.
As Inside Towers has reported, spectrum reallocation, which is being discussed for the lower C-band, is difficult. “Policymakers should aim for spectrum allocations wherein a single service supports a variety of applications, enables sharing between multiple end users, and allows capacity to be dynamically adjusted between these uses,” writes Blake.
ITIF believes the approach proposed by the C-band Alliance consortium is “compelling,” says Brake, and would be the fastest possible mechanism to identify the amount of spectrum that could be transitioned to 5G services. ITIF also believes the proposal has the right incentives to protect existing C-band services.
November 14, 2018
