CTIA Makes Sharing Proposal for 28 GHz, 37-40 GHz Bands

of 5G services while also permitting the continued operation and expansion of satellite services,” CTIA said. “This framework will enable both terrestrial and satellite services to make intensive use of the 28 GHz and 37-40 GHz bands in a manner that fairly balances the rights of all affected stakeholders.” Broadband licensees would have primary status in the bands. FSS users would get “some protections without elevating their existing allocation rights,” CTIA said in the letter. In 28 GHz and 37-40 GHz bands, while there are international allocations for FSS, the agency has “consistently given priority to terrestrial uses of these bands,” CTIA said. “This prioritization should continue, especially in the most populated areas of the United States, to ensure that 5G mobile broadband services can be deployed.” The FCC is looking at the bands for sharing as part of its spectrum frontiers rulemaking (see 1603090057). Carriers see high-frequency spectrum as key to deploying new 5G services. Satellite Industry Association President Tom Stroup said satellite companies are working with the wireless industry “on a technical approach to provide true sharing on a co-primary basis” of the spectrum. “As has been noted repeatedly in these discussions, one of the major challenges is the introduction of mobility into the use of the bands currently shared by [local multipoint distribution service] and satellite operators,” Stroup said. “Since these bands are allocated for satellite use throughout most of the world, it is imperative that all involved address these tough technical issues to ensure continued growth of interference-free satellite services along with 5G technologies built for the U.S. market that are capable of operating globally. Only then can we ensure that the United States becomes the leader in 5G both domestically and abroad.”