FCC Wants Comments on Sharing 1675-1680 MHz Radio Band
Published Date: 1/29/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to update the rules for the 1675-1680 MHz band so both federal users and new wireless companies can share it. This change affects government agencies and wireless providers, aiming to boost flexible wireless services without messing up current federal operations. Comments on this plan are due by February 28, 2025, with replies by March 17, 2025, so get ready to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow Shared Use of 1675–1680 MHz
The FCC is proposing to re-allocate the 1675–1680 MHz band so incumbent federal users and new non-federal flexible wireless operators can share it on a co-primary basis. This proposal (originating in a 2019 NPRM) explicitly targets both federal operators and new wireless companies to enable non-federal fixed or mobile use in that 5 MHz band.
Licenses May Be Awarded By Auction
The 2019 NPRM proposed using competitive bidding (auctions) to award licenses for the 1675–1680 MHz band and sought comment on service and technical rules. If adopted, this approach would mean companies seeking rights to operate in that band would likely need to bid in auctions.
Protect NOAA Federal Operations
The FCC’s proposal requires sharing arrangements to protect incumbent federal operations, including NOAA uses in the 1675–1680 MHz band for satellite downlinks and weather balloons. The Bureau sought additional comment after a November 2024 NOAA follow-on report concluding sharing is technically feasible subject to certain conditions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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