FCC Proposes New Wireless Broadband Rules

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Hoping to create fertile ground to spawn 5G mobile service, the FCC yesterday proposed new rules for the wireless broadband in the wireless frequencies above 24Ghz.

The FCC wants to create “new flexible use service rules in the 28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 64-71 GHz bands” and to make these bands available using “a variety of authorization schemes, including traditional wide area licensing, unlicensed, and a shared approach that provides access for both local area and wide area networks.”

“The FCC is taking steps to unlock the mobile broadband and unlicensed potential of spectrum at the frontier above 24 GHz,” the agency said in a statement announcing the proposal. “It was previously assumed physical and tech limitations could not support mobile service in these bands. New tech developments may allow the use of these high frequencies for mobile applications – like 5G service – with significantly more capacity and faster speeds for next generation mobile service.”
The proposed new rules were good news to PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association.
“PCIA is pleased that the FCC has proposed a new rulemaking for wireless broadband in spectrum above 24 GHz.  The Commission is taking an important step toward advancing next-generation mobile technologies, including 5G mobile services and the Internet of Things, both of which have the potential to revolutionize personal and business communications,” the group said.
“As PCIA has repeatedly stated, access to additional spectrum is urgently needed, coupled with a framework that allows for streamlined wireless infrastructure deployment to meet the soaring consumer demand for mobile data. We look forward to working with the Commission to create a path forward on spectrum policy that promotes investment and continued leadership by the U.S. in wireless broadband.”