Today:  FCC Spectrum Auction for 5G, FCC Releases CAF II Application Process Workshop Agenda, NTIA Wireless Broadband Spectrum Study 

FCC Spectrum Auction For 5G

In a speech before the Mobile World Congress, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai discussed the actions the FCC is taking to lead the world in 5G and said that his plan to accomplish this, consistent with his market-based philosophy, is based on three pillars: (1) spectrum, (2) infrastructure, and (3) light-touch network regulation.  In connection with the spectrum issue, he also announced , announced his intention to hold an auction beginning this November of spectrum in the 28 GHz band, followed immediately thereafter by an auction of spectrum in the 24 GHz band. To set the foundation for these auctions, the FCC will ask for public input this spring on the right procedures for these auctions.  

FCC Releases CAF II Application Process Workshop Agenda

The FCC released the agenda for its upcoming workshop on the application process for the Connect America Fund Phase II auction (CAF) (Auction 903).  The workshop will be held on March 14, 2018 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (EST).  The FCC is also reminding potential auction participants that the period to file an application to participate in the auction opens at 12 P.M. (EST) on March 19, 2018 and closes at 6:00 P.M. (EST) on March 30, 2018.  The workshop will be held at the FCC headquarters in Washington, DC and also available on the FCC website. 

NTIA Wireless Broadband Spectrum Study

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced it has identified 100 megahertz of spectrum for potential repurposing to spur commercial wireless innovation. This spectrum, the 3450-3550 MHz band, is in the mid-frequency range and could be a key asset in our nation's broadband spectrum inventory.  Military radar systems currently operate in the 3450-3550 MHz band but the Department of Defense plans to submit a proposal under the Spectrum Pipeline Act to carry out a comprehensive radio-frequency engineering study to determine the potential for introducing advanced wireless services in this band without harming critical government operations.  The decision to study the 3450-3550 MHz band is part of an ongoing effort across the U.S. government to support deployment of wireless broadband and foster American leadership in 5G.

Both FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly reacted to this announcement. 

Chairman Pai said “NTIA’s announcement that it will examine whether the 3450-3550 MHz spectrum band can be used for commercial next-generation wireless services is great news.  The Commission, working together with NTIA, has already made the 3.5 GHz band available for wireless services and we recently initiated a process to consider whether all or parts of the adjacent satellite spectrum can also be made available.  Altogether, this could unleash a contiguous block of hundreds of megahertz of valuable spectrum for new technologies and services, including 5G.  The United States is moving swiftly to make spectrum available so that the private sector can develop the applications and services that consumers and businesses demand.  We are fully committed to collaborating with NTIA to ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the world in advanced wireless technologies as we chart the course to our 5G future.”

Commissioner O’Rielly said: “I've been clear that we can and must reallocate a good portion of 3.1 to 3.55 gigahertz for commercial wireless purposes.  Today's announcement by NTIA to conduct a detailed feasibility study that could lead to the relinquishment of 100 megahertz (3.45 to 3.55 GHz) – located right next to the CBRS band – for this purpose is the first step to creating a key building block for a mid-band 5G spectrum play.”

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.