Commenters Agree on Importance of High-Band Spectrum to 5G

CTIA and others encouraged the FCC to make more spectrum bands available for 5G, in comments on reports to Congress required by the Spectrum Pipeline Act. Comments were due Tuesday on an August public notice, seeking feedback on results of 2015 rule changes to the 3.55-3.65 GHz band and on other bands that can be reallocated for broadband (see 1808100033). The U.S. wireless industry needs spectrum to keep up with the world, CTIA said in docket 14-177. “Other countries, from Asia to Europe, are moving aggressively to lead the world in 5G and are actively working to make spectrum available for 5G in both mid-band and high-band spectrum ranges,” CTIA said. “China, for example, reserved spectrum in the 3.3-3.6 GHz band for 5G use in 2017 and has committed two gigahertz of high-band spectrum for each major wireless operator.” Other commenters filed on a third Further NPRM on the spectrum frontiers. The Competitive Carriers Association applauded Chairman Ajit Pai’s proposal to simultaneously auction the 37 GHz, 39 GHz and 47 GHz bands. “In addition to these worthwhile efforts, opening up additional bands, such as the 26 GHz and 42 GHz bands, for wireless broadband will help continue the deployment of critical wireless services to all consumers. Competitive carriers need access to a variety of spectrum resources to deploy next-generation mobile broadband technologies, including to support the Internet of Things and 5G,” CCA said. The Wireless ISP Association said the FCC should confirm that the lower 37 GHz band will be available on a coordinated shared licensed basis. “Low-barrier shared spectrum is critical for small providers, new market entrants, and competitive fixed wireless providers alike to have access to the spectrum necessary to deploy broadband in areas that are underserved or lack competition,” WISPA said. The Open Technology Institute at New America also said the lower 37 GHz band should be shared. “Authorization of a third-party and ultimately automated coordination framework will facilitate the most intensive and cost-effective degree of shared access,” OTI commented. OTI supported site-based registration through a third-party coordinator. “Pressure on existing licensed mobile and unlicensed spectrum bands will continue to intensify due to the growing consumer demand for wireless connectivity, and the bands identified in the FNPRM will certainly serve an important role in providing 5G,” Qualcomm said, asking to “authorize mobile and fixed operations in these bands using licensed and shared unlicensed regulatory paradigms.”