In previously published Perspectives from FSF Scholars papers and blog posts, Free State Foundation scholars have observed: (1) spectrum in the mid-band range is a necessary input for optimizing 5G networks and supplying surging demand for wireless data; and (2) there is a shortfall in mid-band spectrum availability. Right now, the federal government is the primary user or occupier of mid-band spectrum. Repurposing significant portions of that underutilized spectrum for private licensed commercial use is therefore a top-level priority. The 5G Americas white paper helpfully offers a description of the potential opportunities as well as challenges for repurposing different swaths of spectrum within the mid-band and extended mid-band ranges.
The white paper observes that "[t]here are currently no bands in the spectrum pipeline in the U.S." Rightly, the white paper calls on the FCC and NTIA to create a new spectrum pipeline that prioritizes availability of lower range frequencies in the mid-band range of 3 to 8 GHz. The increasing urgency in identifying and repurposing spectrum for private commercial use also was a key topic of conversation at FSF's Fifteenth Annual Policy Conference, which was held on Tuesday, March 28th in Washington, D.C. In the weeks ahead, expect to hear more about what went down at #FSFConf15 and the need for a plentifully stocked spectrum pipeline to fuel 5G deployment in the U.S.
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