NTIA, FCC, Navy work to expand 3.5GHz spectrum sharing frameworkNTIA, FCC, Navy work to expand 3.5GHz spectrum sharing framework

The changes would authorize service to approximately 72 million more people and expand the total unencumbered CBRS area to roughly 240 million people nationwide. #pressrelease

June 12, 2024

2 Min Read

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Department of the Navy (DON) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have successfully collaborated to expand the unencumbered service area of a critical swath of shared mid-band spectrum.

Modifications to the aggregate interference model used in the 3.5 GHz band would allow the Citizens Broadband Radio Service, or CBRS, to provide uninterrupted access to mid-band spectrum that supports wireless Internet and other services to approximately 72 million more people. After careful coordination with the DON and the FCC, NTIA formally submitted a request to change the aggregate interference model in a letter to the FCC on Tuesday. The FCC today issued a Public Notice to endorse the changes and to invite Spectrum Access System administrators to submit demonstrations of their ability to implement the modified protection criteria.

CBRS, established by FCC rules in 2015 in coordination with NTIA and DON, allows for dynamic spectrum sharing in the 3.5 GHz band between the Department of Defense (DOD) and commercial spectrum users. DOD users have protected, prioritized use of the spectrum. When the government isn’t using the airwaves, companies and the public can gain access through a tiered framework.

This means the DOD can use the same spectrum for its critical missions while companies and the public can use it for next-generation wireless services, including 5G.

NTIA's letter and the FCC's Public Notice announce a reduction in the size of Dynamic Protection Area neighborhoods along coastlines and around federal facilities throughout the country. In these areas, commercial use can be pre-empted by federal operations.

The changes would authorize service to approximately 72 million more people and expand the total unencumbered CBRS area to roughly 240 million people nationwide.

NTIA's and the FCC's actions together will permit Spectrum Access System administrators — who help manage dynamic use of the spectrum — to apply to make these changes only after testing demonstrates their ability to effectively do so.

Read the full press release here.

NTIA

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes it's completely free.

You May Also Like