FCC, NTIA, and Navy Collaborate to Improve 3.5 GHz Spectrum Sharing

Collaboration Announcement

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the US Department of the Navy have announced a significant collaboration to enhance the spectrum sharing framework in the 3.5 GHz band. This innovative approach aims to provide uninterrupted access to mid-band spectrum for wireless services and the Internet while ensuring critical Department of Defense operations can continue without interference.

Key Changes We Can Expect Include:

• Enhanced Spectrum Sharing:
  The new framework allows the Department of Defense to use the spectrum for critical missions while simultaneously enabling businesses and the public to utilize it for next-generation wireless services, including 5G. This dual-use strategy promotes both national security and technological advancement.

• Modified Interference Model:
  Modifications to the aggregate interference model used by Spectrum Access System (SAS) administrators are introduced to protect federal operations in the 3.55-3.7 GHz band from interference by Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) operations. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of federal communications while expanding commercial use.

• Reduction in Dynamic Protection Areas:
  The size of dynamic protection areas is reduced, which will allow service to more people and expand the total unimpeded CBRS area to approximately 240 million people nationwide. This reduction is expected to decrease the number of suspended CBSD grants and increase the fidelity of propagation modeling.

What to Expect from These Changes:

• Broader Service Availability:
  The adjustments will enable broader service without periodic adjustments to protect federal operations, providing a more consistent and reliable service to users. The expected outcome includes decreased dynamic protection areas and reduced interference issues, facilitating uninterrupted service for commercial wireless applications.

• Support for 5G Deployment:
  By optimizing the use of the 3.5 GHz band, these changes support the widespread deployment of 5G technology, promoting innovation and growth in the telecommunications industry.

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of managing the radio spectrum efficiently to avoid interference with federal operations while fostering growth and innovation in commercial wireless services. It represents a significant step forward in balancing national security needs with the demands of modern wireless technology.

Regulatory Impact

• Top Priority: yes
• Type of Certificate: No
• Spectrum Bands: yes
• Import Changes HS Codes: No
• Standard Changes: yes
• Products Changes: yes
• Label Changes: No

Link to Source - https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-ntia-navy-expand-innovative-35-ghz-spectrum-sharing-framework