The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking pertaining to flexible use of new 28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 64 GHz to 71 GHz “millimeter wave” bands to support fifth generation mobile and satellite communications.
That matters because the proposed allocations are intended to match expected proposals at the upcoming World Radiocommuniations Conference in November 2015. In other words, those bands and applications are highly likely to mirror what happens globally, in other regions.
NPRM proposes to make these bands available using a variety of authorization schemes, including traditional wide area licensing, unlicensed, and a shared approach that provides access for both local area and wide area networks.
The NPRM envisions allowing a variety of platforms and uses, including mobile and satellite, to coexist and expand through market-based mechanisms.
The NPRM also seeks comment on other bands above 24 GHz that may be considered in the future.
The 28 and 39 GHz bands are being contemplated for small cell deployments, with county-sized service areas, and offering fixed, mobile or some hybrid set of services.
In the 37 GHz band, the FCC contemplates a hybrid licensing scheme allowing indoor and outdoor services.
In the 64 GHz to 71 GHz band, the FCC proposes unlicensed use and more spectrum for short-range connection services such as WiGig, on a shared basis with existing federal licensees.
