Media Contact:
Cecilia Sulhoff (202) 418-0587
cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC TAKES STEPS TO FACILITATE MOBILE BROADBAND AND NEXT
GENERATION WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES IN SPECTRUM ABOVE 24 GHZ
WASHINGTON, October 22, 2015 - The FCC took steps today to maintain United States leadership
in wireless by proposing new rules for wireless broadband in wireless frequencies above 24 GHz.
These proposed rules are an opportunity to move forward on creating a regulatory environment in
which these emerging next-generation mobile technologies - such as so-called 5G mobile service -
can potentially take hold and deliver benefits to consumers, businesses, and the U.S. economy.
With today's action, the FCC is taking steps to unlock the mobile broadband and unlicensed potential
of spectrum at the frontier above 24 GHz. It was previously assumed physical and tech limitations
could not support mobile service in these bands. New tech developments may allow the use of these
high frequencies for mobile applications - like 5G service - with significantly more capacity and
faster speeds for next generation mobile service.
Building off of years of successful spectrum policy, this NPRM proposes to create new flexible use
service rules in the 28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 64-71 GHz bands. The NPRM proposes to make
these bands available using a variety of authorization schemes, including traditional wide area
licensing, unlicensed, and a shared approach that provides access for both local area and wide area
networks.
In addition, the NPRM provides a path for a variety of platforms and uses, including satellite uses, to
coexist and expand through market-based mechanisms. The NPRM seeks extensive comment on the
service, licensing, and technical rules for facilitating flexible use in these bands. Finally, the NPRM
seeks comment on other bands above 24 GHz that may be considered in the future.
By taking this action now, the Commission begins to establish a framework to proceed in parallel
with technological development in order to keep pace and help future mobile and other wireless
technologies flourish.
Action by the Commission October 22, 2015 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 15-
138). Chairman Wheeler and Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel approving and issuing
separate statements; Commissioners Pai and O'Rielly approving in part and dissenting in part and
issuing separate statements.
GN Docket No. 14-177; RM-11664; WT Docket No. 10-112; IB Docket No. 97-95
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes
official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974)
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