The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) has decided to conduct a feasibility study on repurposing the 3450-3550 MHz band currently used for military radar systems for commercial wireless services. The FCC and NTIA previously worked together to make the 3.5 GHz band Citizens Broadband Radio Service available for wireless services and the FCC recently initiated a proceeding to consider whether parts of the adjacent satellite spectrum can also be made available. Altogether, this could unleash a contiguous block of 100 megahertz of valuable spectrum for new technologies and services, including 5G. The 3450-3550 MHz band is in the mid-frequency range and could be a key asset in the nation’s broadband spectrum inventory. Both the U.S. and European regulators are looking to include mid-frequency spectrum for commercial use because of the potential for international spectrum harmonization which could lead to a global market for equipment and bring services to market quicker at lower cost to consumers. NTIA’s decision to study the 3450-3550 MHz band is part of an effort across the government to support deployment of wireless broadband to foster American leadership in 5G.
