FCC Approves Mid-Band Spectrum Inquiry Aimed at Promoting 5G
The FCC launched a notice of inquiry Thursday seeking comment on mid-band spectrum for 5G and other wireless broadband. Intel hailed the launch, but the Wireless ISP Association said the NOI is at best a mixed bag. It's expected to be on a fast track, industry officials said. A big fight is likely brewing between two rival proposals, one led by Mimosa and WISPA, through the Broadband Access Coalition, and a second by Intel and other major players (see 1707240061). FCC members also approved several other items unanimously (see 1708030026).
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The NOI “bridges a gap” between the FCC’s look at low- and high-frequency bands, said Wireless Bureau Chief Donald Stockdale. The NOI seeks comment on three specific mid-range bands, 3.7-4.2 GHz, 5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.425-7.125 GHz and “asks commenters to identify other non-federal mid-band frequencies that may be suitable for expanded flexible use,” said a news release.
Commissioner Mike O’Rielly urged an expedited process, saying the FCC could have released an NPRM, the next step, rather than an NOI on the 3.7 and 6 GHz bands. “While our action in no way minimizes the importance of freeing up millimeter wave frequencies, it quickly became apparent at this year’s Mobile World Congress that many countries were focusing on mid-band spectrum for next-generation networks,” O’Rielly said. “Europe has identified 3.4 to 3.8 GHz as its primary band for early 5G development. Japan, Korea and China are also proponents of using frequencies in this range, with Japan possibly looking to extend 5G up to 4.2 GHz.”
Chairman Ajit Pai said this is just a beginning. “We aim to close the mobile digital divide so that American consumers, especially in rural areas, won’t be eternally stuck in the middle of dead or spotty wireless service zones,” he said.
Peter Pitsch, Intel executive director-federal relations, told us he's pleased O’Rielly in particular called for fast action. “I was heartened by the fact that all of the commissioners recognized the importance of the mid band given that it’s a good combination of capacity and bandwidth,” Pitsch said. “The FCC sounded a clarion call.”
“WISPA is encouraged that the FCC is looking at the 5925-7125 MHz band, which offers opportunities for both indoor and outdoor use on a shared basis with incumbent users,” said a news release. “However, including the 3700-4200 MHz band in the NOI could lead to years of regulatory delay and uncertainty, preventing small, locally based, fixed wireless providers from going ahead with rural broadband deployments in that band.”
The Broadband Access Coalition “looks forward to helping the FCC craft rules that allow for the immediate sharing of the 3.7 GHz band for high-capacity fixed wireless service where trenching fiber is too expensive," said Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Program at New America. He said the group that includes other nonprofits, Cincinnati Bell and Mimosa seeks "to do so in a way that neither interferes with satellite incumbents nor forecloses the long-term potential for mobile use of all or part of the band.”
The satellite industry is also concerned. “As the FCC evaluates opportunities for additional uses of the mid-band spectrum, we strongly urge them to keep in mind the importance of these bands for the satellite industry and the vital services that impact virtually all Americans,” said Satellite Industry Association President Tom Stroup. “The overwhelming majority of the most popular programming networks distributed in the U.S. today rely on mid-band spectrum.” Satellite also provides broadband service across the U.S., he said.
“Countries around the world are positioning spectrum in the 3.4-4.2 GHz range as a home for 5G and it’s important the U.S. align with these global efforts,” said Steve Sharkey, T-Mobile vice president-government affairs.