Clearing Radio Amateurs out of 3.4 GHz

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An FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes to remove the existing non-federal allocations in the 3.3-3.55 GHz band

“By taking the initial step needed to clear the band of allocations for non-federal incumbents, the Commission furthers its continued efforts to make more mid-band spectrum potentially available to support next generation wireless networks—consistent with the mandate of the MOBILE NOW Act.”
— FCC

What the NPRM Would Do

  • Propose to clear the 3.3-3.55 GHz band of existing non-federal users by removing the non-federal secondary radiolocation and amateur allocations in the 3.3-3.55 GHz band;

  • Propose to relocate incumbent non-federal users out of the band;

  • Seek comment on relocation options and transition mechanisms for incumbent non-federal users, either to the 3.1-3.3 GHz band or to other frequencies;

  • Seek comment on how to ensure that non-federal secondary operations in the 3.1-3.3 GHz band will continue to protect federal radar systems; and

  • Prepare the band for possible future shared use between commercial wireless services and federal incumbents, potentially making as much as 250 megahertz of spectrum available for flexible use, including 5G.

Regarding the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service allocation they say:

12. With respect to amateur operations, is there sufficient existing amateur spectrum in other bands that can support the operations currently conducted in the 3.3-3.5 GHz band? We note that the 3.40-3.41 GHz segment is designated for communications to and from amateur satellites. We seek comment on: the extent to which the band is used for this purpose, whether existing satellites can operate on other amateur satellite bands, and on an appropriate timeframe for terminating these operations in this band.

Facilitating Shared Use in the 3.1-3.55 GHz Band Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - WT Docket No. 19-348 - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-360941A1.pdf

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Establishes WT Docket NO. 19-348 - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-19-1202A1.pdf