FCC Opens up New Spectrum Frequencies

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On Friday, U.S. regulators voted to open up government-controlled airwaves for commercial use by telecom companies as they seek to meet growing data demands, Reuters reported. The FCC voted unanimously to create a process to allow companies free access to the frequencies in the 3.5 GHz band. “Friday’s vote will kick-start the process of setting up a system for companies to begin using frequencies now dedicated to military radars and other government operations, by sharing them in places where commercial users would not interfere with incumbent users,” according to Reuters. “We take a significant step forward in spectrum policy by creating a new Citizens Broadband Radio Service. This new service leverages innovative new sharing rules and technologies to create a 150 megahertz band of contiguous spectrum to help meet the Nation’s wireless broadband needs. Of this amount, 100 megahertz was previously unavailable for commercial use,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler explained. “Today [Friday}, we create a new three-tiered access scheme in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service that accommodates many users and use cases, and manages scarcity in several new ways.” Jonathan Adelstein President & CEO of PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association said, “PCIA is pleased that the FCC has approved a forward-thinking order that offers new opportunities to expand wireless capacity and coverage, which will help American consumers get better connected. While the FCC and the Administration must remain vigilant in seeking to clear more licensed spectrum under terms and lengths that spur investment, the FCC has provided a path to innovation in the 3.5 GHz band that will help ease the wireless data crunch, which will stimulate U.S. jobs and growth. The FCC’s focus on small wireless communications facilities such as small cells and DAS demonstrates its clear vision for our evolving heterogeneous networks. We look forward to future involvement in these matters.”

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