NTIA to study if 1755-1850 MHz can be shifted to commercial use

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration said it plans to study spectrum in the 1755 MHz to 1850 MHz bands to see if the frequencies can be converted to commercial use. The band currently is used by the Department of Defense, federal law enforcement agencies and others for satellite, surveillance, aeronautical operations and fixed microwave operations.
“NTIA is conducting this evaluation as directed by President Obama to reach his goal of nearly doubling the amount of commercial spectrum available over the next decade, an initiative that will spur investment, economic growth, and job creation while supporting the growing demand by consumers and businesses for wireless broadband services. We look forward to our continued work with the FCC and other federal agencies as we work to free up additional spectrum while protecting vital government spectrum uses,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling in a prepared statement.
NTIA already has identified frequency bands at 1675-1710 MHz; 1755-1780 MHz; 3500-3650 MHz; and 4200-4220 MHz and 4380-4400 MHz as possible frequencies that could be made available for wireless broadband use within five years. The agency recommended that some portions of these bands totaling 115 megahertz be made available for wireless broadband use within five years, contingent upon the allocation of resources for necessary reallocation activities. Fifteen megahertz of spectrum, from 1695-1710 MHz, can be reallocated quickly, NTIA said. The government also recommended freeing 10 megahertz from 3550-3650 MHz.