FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the agency will take a different approach to regulating the 42 GHz band.
Historically, the FCC has relied on auctions to allocate spectrum licenses. Rosenworcel said the agency previously overemphasized millimetre wave (mmWave) auctions while under-prioritizing mid-band spectrum.
To address that imbalance, the FCC recently moved forward with auctions in the 3.45 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands.
With those mid-band auctions completed, the FCC is turning its attention back to mmWave spectrum. But this time, Rosenworcel is proposing a new way to manage the 42 GHz band.
“With the help of my colleagues, we quickly launched auctions in the 3.45 GHz band and 2.5 GHz band. With those successful mid-band efforts in the rear-view mirror, we are now turning back to millimetre wave—but this time we want to consider something different,” Rosenworcel said.
The FCC has opened a proceeding to study shared-use approaches for the 42 GHz band, signaling a shift in spectrum policy. The commission aims to encourage competition and expand opportunities in mmWave spectrum, especially for smaller wireless providers.
The 42 GHz band represents a notable opportunity: about 500 megahertz of unassigned airwaves with no federal or commercial incumbents. Non-exclusive access models could help unlock that greenfield spectrum.
Rosenworcel outlined several possible approaches: “This could entail using a technology-based sensing mechanism to help operators detect and avoid one another. It could involve non-exclusive nationwide licenses that leverage a database to facilitate co-existence. It could also entail site-based licensing.”
The initiative’s objectives are to lower barriers to entry, foster competition, and realize the potential of mmWave spectrum. Rosenworcel emphasized the need for creative spectrum-management models and expressed eagerness to develop and share new ideas.
The FCC’s action launches a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to collect input on the advantages and challenges of a shared licensing framework for the 42 GHz band.
The NPRM suggests dividing the band into five 100-megahertz channels and requests comment on coordination mechanisms, build-out obligations, and technical rules to enable shared licensing.
By exploring new frameworks and leveraging mmWave spectrum, the FCC aims to create conditions that maximize wireless connectivity’s benefits for service providers and end users alike.
“Our goal here is to come up with a new model to lower barriers, encourage competition, and maximise the opportunities in millimetre wave spectrum. In short, it’s time to be creative. I look forward to the record that develops—and then look forward to sharing our creativity with the world,” Rosenworcel concluded.
(Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash)
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