The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun examining the use of new frequency bands for mobile services as part of the Commission's efforts to help meet the growing demand for spectrum. Based on a recommendation from the Technological Advisory Council, the Notice of Inquiry seeks to broaden the Commission's understanding of the state of the art in technological developments that could unlock millimetre wave spectrum above 24 GHz for new mobile wireless services.
There have been significant developments in antenna and processing technologies that may allow the use of higher frequencies than those used today, in this case those above 24 GHz, for mobile applications. It was long assumed that higher spectrum frequencies, like those above 24 GHz, could not support mobile services. New technologies are challenging that assumption and promise to facilitate new mobile service, what some call "5G," with the potential to dramatically increase wireless broadband speeds.
The Commission's goal is to develop a more thorough understanding of this technology. In addition, instead of waiting for the technology to develop in a potentially mismatched regulatory structure, the Commission is starting a process to examine any regulatory changes that might be necessary to ensure this technology will flourish. The Notice asks a series of very detailed questions about technological developments that could facilitate mobile use of bands above 24 GHz. It then seeks comment of the sustainability of various bands for mobile use, taking into account existing uses in those bands. Finally, the Notice asks about various approaches to licensed or unlicensed use of the bands above 24 GHz.
