Our “Tuning into Spectrum” podcast series takes a close look at hot topics and issues in radio spectrum. Thanks to technological advancements, a major development in recent years has been the growing prospects for innovative use of higher spectrum bands. This episode discusses how the FCC’s heightened focus on millimeter wave spectrum. They
FCC Adopts Procedures to Set the Stage for Second-Ever Incentive Auction in Late 2019
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), at its April 12, 2019 Open Meeting, voted to adopt a Public Notice that proposes application and bidding procedures for the single, simultaneous auction of three mmW spectrum bands—37 GHz (37.6-38.6 GHz), 39 GHz (38.6 GHz-40 GHz), and 47 GHz (47.2-48.2 GHz)—as we previously reported. The Public Notice lays the groundwork for the second-ever incentive auction (in the 37 and 39 GHz Bands) and continues the FCC’s intent to make more mmW band spectrum available for auction. The auction is scheduled to begin on December 10, 2019. Comments on the Public Notice are due by May 15, 2019 and reply comments are due by May 30, 2019.
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FCC Poised to Adopt Procedures for First Set of Spectrum Frontiers Auctions (24 and 28 GHz) and Tee up Another (37, 39, and 47 GHz)
Two years after the first Spectrum Frontiers report and order, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) is completing the final set of preliminaries before commencing the first mmW auction. With the release of a draft Public Notice (“Notice”) on July 12, 2018, the Commission gave a sneak preview of the application and bidding procedures for upper microwave flexible use service (“UMFUS”) licenses in the 28 GHz and 24 GHz band. The Commission will vote on these procedures at its next Open Meeting, scheduled for August 2, 2018. The auction will be an important milestone in the Commission’s efforts to make high band spectrum available for next-generation applications, including 5G wireless connectivity.
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New FCC Rulemaking Explores Flexible Wireless Operations Above 24 GHz
Earlier today, October 22, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to explore new regulatory frameworks, including flexible licensing schemes, for mobile and fixed wireless broadband in several frequency bands above 24 GHz. The NPRM seeks comment on proposed rules that would allow these frequencies to support new technology developments, such as 5G, small cell, and wi-fi applications.
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FCC Poised to Consider Expanded Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) is slated to consider adoption of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) exploring increased use of spectrum bands above 24 GHz, including for mobile broadband, at its next Open Meeting on October 22. Late last week, Chairman Tom Wheeler blogged that the NPRM, the next step in the Commission’s Spectrum Frontiers proceeding, “proposes a framework for flexible spectrum use rules for bands above 24 GHz.”
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