Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Skimishing over C-Band radio spectrum


Harnessing Satellite Spectrum for Broadband: Will Incumbents Sell, Stay, or Share?

"At its July meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is likely to adopt an unprecedented proposal to open a large band of satellite spectrum for mobile and fixed wireless broadband.  The mid-band spectrum from 3700 to 4200 MHz has become the most sought-after resource for both future “5G” mobile networks and for extending high-capacity “fixed wireless” broadband in rural and other low-density areas where trenching fiber would cost too much or take too long.
...
"The two primary proposals under consideration involve clearing the satellite service off the lower portion of the band (boosting mobile capacity for 5G) and authorizing shared use of the unused frequencies in the remainder of the band (enabling high-capacity fixed wireless). Some stakeholders support both proposals as complementary (a “win-win”); other stakeholders oppose one or both proposals."

And this:
 Google, Intelsat spar over C-Band

"Sparks were flying almost as soon as the first keynote got underway during New America’s Open Technology Institute (OTI) event Friday that examined how things might unfold for the C-Band—the 3700-4200 MHz band that is being eyed for 5G.

"In one corner: The Google-backed effort to allow sharing in the C-Band while protecting incumbents. In another corner, a satellite industry proposal to free up 100 MHz for 5G within 18 to 36 months.

"But those were just two sides represented by the keynote speakers: Andrew Clegg, spectrum engineering lead at Google; and Hazem Moakkit, vice president for spectrum strategy at Intelsat. There are many other sides as well, including video content producers, broadcast stations, cable networks, mobile carriers and rural broadband ISPs, to name a few.
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