The potential for spectrum sharing in the 37 GHz band is gaining significant attention, particularly in light of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) recent report. This initiative aligns with the Biden administration’s National Spectrum Strategy (NSS), which aims to enhance the efficient use of spectrum through dynamic sharing technologies and methodologies. By focusing on this area, the administration hopes to establish a more effective and collaborative approach to spectrum management, heralding a new era of communication and connectivity.
The Promise of the 37 GHz Band
A Clean Slate for Spectrum Sharing
The 37 GHz band is perceived as a promising ‘clean slate’ for spectrum sharing, given its limited incumbent uses and advantageous characteristics. This band supports highly directional and narrow beam communication, which significantly facilitates robust sharing, particularly for terrestrial wireless applications. The NTIA report highlights the vast spectrum potential outlined by the NSS, identifying five candidate bands for study and development, amounting to 2,786 megahertz in total. Among these, the 37 GHz band has been singled out for near-term exploration due to its unique potential and relatively unencumbered status.
One of the reasons the 37 GHz band is so attractive is its ability to support advanced wireless technologies without severe interference concerns. Because of its narrow beam capabilities, it can handle high volumes of data with precision and efficiency, making it ideal for next-generation wireless networks. This band’s unique characteristics align well with the NSS’s broader goals, which advocate for a “designed to share whenever feasible” approach. This ethos is thoroughly evident in the NTIA’s proposed mechanism for managing shared spectrum access.
Historical Context and FCC Decisions
Historical context helps elucidate the NTIA’s current focus on the 37 GHz band. The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 2016 decision was pivotal, allowing non-federal applications to share the 37-38.6 GHz band with Department of Defense (DoD) operations. The lower part of this band was designated for co-primary sharing via a site registration mechanism, while the upper portion was put up for bidding in the FCC’s 2019 Spectrum Frontiers auction. This auction not only revealed significant commercial interest but also underscored the band’s potential for diverse applications.
During the Spectrum Frontiers auction, the FCC offered 10 blocks of 100 megahertz in each Partial Economic Area, which resulted in a considerable uptake by commercial entities. The success of this auction highlighted the market’s readiness to invest in and develop the 37 GHz band for commercial purposes. This historical backdrop is crucial as it sets the stage for NTIA’s current initiatives in promoting an effective and cooperative spectrum-sharing framework.
NTIA’s Proposed Spectrum Management Mechanism
Priority and Co-Equal Access Sections
The NTIA’s report delves into a strategic division within the lower 37 GHz band to optimize spectrum sharing. Two categories for access are proposed: a priority access section comprising 200 megahertz (37.0-37.2 GHz) and a co-equal access section spanning 37.2-37.6 GHz. Non-federal users could gain access to the priority section but with a stipulation that allows the DoD to preempt usage if necessary. In the co-equal section, both federal and non-federal users would share access on an equal footing, facilitating a balanced approach to spectrum utilization.
This structured division aims to ensure that spectrum use is both equitable and efficient. The priority access section’s model, with preemption conditions, ensures DoD operations retain essential access when required, while still enabling significant non-federal use. Conversely, the co-equal access section promotes a collaborative sharing environment, encouraging innovation and diverse applications. This two-tiered approach is designed to maximize the utilization of the 37 GHz band while mitigating potential conflicts between federal and non-federal users.
Phased Coordination Framework
To support the efficient management of shared spectrum access, the NTIA emphasizes a phased coordination framework in the 37 GHz band. The initial phase involves simple propagation models to ensure that there is no signal overlap, capitalizing on mmWave’s naturally limited propagation. This initial phase aims to establish orderly and interference-free operations, ensuring a sound foundation for shared spectrum use. Introducing a more dynamic second phase, if conflicts arise, requires direct coordination between users, highlighting the responsive nature of this framework.
This dual-phase approach is meticulously designed to be both responsive and efficient, reflecting the NTIA’s commitment to rapid conflict resolution. By engaging in direct coordination where necessary, this framework ensures that the diverse needs of federal and non-federal users are met without unnecessary delays. The NTIA, in collaboration with the FCC if necessary, will handle any conflicts, ensuring a seamless transition between phases and preventing prolonged operational disruptions.
Potential Use Cases for the 37 GHz Spectrum
Commercial Applications
The 37 GHz spectrum holds immense potential for various commercial applications, offering wireless operators the opportunity to significantly enhance bandwidth in capacity-constrained environments. One notable example is large indoor stadiums, where the mmWave spectrum can provide the necessary bandwidth to support high data demand. Additionally, it offers solutions for offloading traffic from other crowded bands, ensuring a smoother and more efficient flow of wireless communication.
Another promising application for the 37 GHz spectrum is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). This technology can provide high-capacity backhaul, supporting private networks that are tailored for industrial IoT or other high-bandwidth indoor scenarios. The versatility of the mmWave spectrum makes it an invaluable asset for wireless operators looking to address various connectivity challenges, offering innovative and flexible solutions to meet the ever-growing demand for wireless data.
Federal Applications
Federal use cases for the 37 GHz spectrum mirror those of the commercial sector but include additional considerations for system hardening to ensure federal reliability. For instance, the DoD has shown particular interest in leveraging this spectrum for unmanned aerial systems, which require robust and dependable communication links. Additionally, the 37 GHz band offers promising potential for innovations like wireless power transfer, which could revolutionize certain federal operations by providing more flexible and efficient power solutions.
The inclusion of system hardening for federal applications underscores the importance of maintaining reliability and security in federal communication systems. The DoD’s interest in the 37 GHz band reflects the broader federal agenda to harness advanced technologies for strategic and operational advantages. These federal applications further highlight the versatility and potential of the 37 GHz band, showcasing its significant value for both commercial and federal stakeholders.
Adjacent-Band Protection and Environmental Considerations
Importance of Adjacent-Band Protection
One critical aspect of the NTIA’s spectrum sharing initiative is ensuring effective use of the 37 GHz band while providing adjacent-band protection. Specifically, the 36-37 GHz band is crucial for environmental and earth-observing satellites managed by the DoD. These satellites deliver invaluable data on water and precipitation, making their protection a high priority due to their extensive use in defense operations. Safeguarding these adjacent bands is essential to preventing interference that could compromise their functionality.
The protection of adjacent bands ensures that the integrity of environmental and earth-observing satellites is maintained. These satellites play a vital role in collecting data that underpins weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and other critical applications. Given their significant contribution to both defense and civilian operations, it is paramount that measures are in place to protect these satellites from potential interference arising from spectrum sharing activities.
Environmental and Earth-Observing Satellites
Ensuring the protection of environmental and earth-observing satellites in the adjacent 36-37 GHz band is essential for maintaining the integrity of data collection on water and precipitation. These satellites are instrumental in various defense and environmental monitoring operations, providing critical data that supports informed decision-making and strategic planning. Their uninterrupted functionality is crucial for national security and environmental assessment, necessitating robust protection measures.
The uninterrupted operation of these satellites is essential for a range of critical functions. In defense operations, reliable satellite data is vital for strategic planning and execution. Similarly, in environmental monitoring, the data collected by these satellites aids in understanding and addressing climatic and environmental changes. As such, the NTIA’s initiative underscores the importance of protecting these adjacent bands, thereby ensuring the continued reliability and functionality of these vital satellite systems.
Conclusion
The potential for spectrum sharing in the 37 GHz band is garnering significant attention, especially following the recent report from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This initiative aligns closely with the Biden administration’s National Spectrum Strategy (NSS), which aims to improve the efficient use of spectrum through innovative dynamic sharing technologies and methodologies. The administration’s focus on this objective is intended to foster a more effective and collaborative approach to spectrum management. By doing so, they plan to usher in a new era of enhanced communication and connectivity. The strategic approach is not only about addressing current technological demands but also about preparing for future advances in wireless communication. This effort is critical as the demand for wireless services continues to rise, making efficient spectrum use more important than ever. The 37 GHz band holds significant promise for improving network capacities and reliability, essential for the growth of 5G and beyond. Thus, the administration’s commitment is a crucial step forward in addressing the ever-growing need for efficient and innovative spectrum management solutions.
