The FCC announced they are on the path towards expanding the beneficial use of up to 1050 MHz of mid-band spectrum by a diverse set of terrestrial (licensed and possibly unlicensed) and satellite communications systems, promoting technological innovation and bolstering the growth of the nation’s economy. In this item, the FFC takes steps to ensure current and future satellite services relied upon by millions of people across the country are preserved and protected in the 12.2 to 12.7 GHz band (12.2 GHz band) while continuing to develop a pipeline of mid-band spectrum for mobile broadband or other expanded uses essential for connecting everyone, everywhere in the 12.7 to13.25 GHz band (12.7 GHz band).
In the 12.2 GHz band Report and Order, the FCC finds that authorizing two-way, high-powered terrestrial mobile service in the 12.2 GHz band would impose a significant risk of harmful interference to existing and emergent services in the band, including satellite services. Such interference could undermine investments made by incumbent licensees and jeopardize their potential to provide new services to underserved communities, including rural communities. Although the FFC declines to authorize two-way, high-powered terrestrial mobile use in these frequencies, in the 12.2 GHz band Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking they further investigate the potential to expand terrestrial fixed use or to permit unlicensed use in these 500 megahertz of mid-band spectrum.
To further their efforts to make spectrum available for terrestrial mobile service, in the 12.7 GHz band Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC proposes to repurpose some or all of the 550 MHz of mid-band spectrum for mobile broadband or other expanded use. The record demonstrates substantial support for repurposing these mid-band frequencies for next-generation wireless technologies including 5G, 5G Advanced and 6G services that will depend on extremely high data rates, reliability, low latency and capacity that the 12.7 GHz band spectrum can provide. Accordingly, in this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC seeks comment on various proposed means for transitioning some or all of the 12.7 GHz band to mobile broadband and other expanded use, as well as on alternative changes to the Commission’s rules that could promote use of the band on a shared basis. To improve the data on which to base their decisions regarding the future structure of the 12.7 GHz band, the FCC adopts a 12.7 GHz band Order directing fixed and mobile Broadcast Auxiliary Services (BAS) and Cable Television Relay Services (CARS) licensees that use the 12.7 GHz band to certify the accuracy of the information reflected on their licenses.