Sharing

In 2022, a study commissioned by CTIA basically called Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) a failure, in part due to its low power levels and limited use cases. Some saw it as a smear campaign against CBRS because CTIA would prefer the 3.1-3.45 GHz band to be licensed rather than end up looking more like CBRS, which involves a three-tiered sharing system to protect Department of Defense (DoD) incumbents. Federated Wireless 

For decades, the Department of Defense (DoD) has had relatively unquestioned access to a large portion of the electromagnetic spectrum — a critical resource that enables capabilities like radars, satellite communications, and navigation systems. However, a number of leaders at the Pentagon are concerned that access may soon be taken away. There has been a years-long battle between the DoD and the commercial telecommunications industry over access to the 3.1-3.45 GHz S-band. That portion of spectrum has been solely designated to the DoD for decades.

The Federal Communications Commission circulated draft rules to govern the lower 42 GHz spectrum (between 42 – 42.5 GHz). This is within the range of spectrum referred to as millimeter wave spectrum. This is one of the more unusual FCC spectrum deliberations because this spectrum is totally empty – there is nobody currently authorized by the FCC to use the spectrum band.

One of the hardest things that the Federal Communications Commission does is to decide spectrum policy. The agency has full authority to determine the details of how we use each slice of available spectrum. Most importantly, the agency can determine who can use spectrum – and that’s why the task is challenging. In the last decade, it’s hard to think of any spectrum deliberation and decision that didn’t have to weigh the interests of multiple spectrum users. There is almost always somebody using spectrum that must be considered.

The Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding to consider innovative sharing models in 500 megahertz of spectrum in the 42 GHz band. This examination of sharing models in high-band spectrum could not only inform how this band might best be used—particularly by smaller wireless service providers—but also inform future uses of sharing models in spectrum management. With ever-increasing demand for wireless services and a finite supply of airwaves, it is more important than ever to focus on finding ways to share spectrum, a valuable resource.

The US Department of State, on behalf of the US Government, has submitted a proposal to the May 2023 Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL), which calls for opening the 3300-3400 MHz band for 5G mobile services within the Americas Region. If accepted as a regional proposal, CITEL would submit to the November 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23). If adopted by the WRC-23, the international Radio Regulations would be updated to identify this band as possible for 5G use in the Americas by countries that choose to do so.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently released a report that shows Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is working. However, CBRS opponents, led by CTIA, insist that CBRS remains an unproven experiment in spectrum sharing, with constraints like low power levels that make it impossible to provide broad coverage.

Americans increasingly rely on the radio spectrum for much of their daily lives. From texting friends to car navigation these airwaves play an invisible but central role. Much like other important resources, spectrum access is finite. Demand continues to grow.

The Federal Communications Commission adopted the following spectrum management principles.

Interference Realities

The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to support competition and cooperation in spectrum usage by satellite systems. The new rules will set forth important reforms that will govern how non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems will function in a shared spectrum environment. These new rules will provide clarity regarding spectrum sharing between systems licensed in different processing rounds, granting primary spectrum access to systems approved earlier, while enabling new entrants to participate in an established, cooperative spectrum sh