The Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing a controversial reallocation of the Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS) spectrum, currently positioned between 3.55-3.7 GHz, to a lower frequency within the 3 GHz range. This move, supported by AT&T and analyzed by New Street Research (NSR), aims to free up the mid-band spectrum for a new auction, catering to major telecommunications carriers interested in lucrative spectrum utilization. This proposal mirrors AT&T’s previous suggestion, which faced backlash from the CBRS community, including wireless internet service providers, cable operators, and other innovators.
The DoD’s plan suggests shifting CBRS to between 3.1 and 3.3 GHz, allowing carriers exclusive use of the middle spectrum. This reallocation of government spectrum for private use is not unprecedented but remains contentious given its potential to disrupt existing operations that benefit industries from aviation to agriculture. Stakeholders argue such changes could erode the value of licenses, drawing parallels to eminent domain where the government transfers resources between businesses.
Despite technical benefits for carriers, like enhanced operational efficiency through contiguous band integration, the proposal sparks significant logistical concerns for current users. Additional shifts in spectrum segments, including 1300-1350 MHz and others, are also under consideration by the DoD to open 640 MHz for future auctions. However, industry analysts express skepticism about its full legislative passage. The discussion underscores an ongoing tension between advancing network technologies and maintaining the interests of current spectrum users, with outcomes likely affecting future telecommunications landscapes. Stakeholders await final decisions likely to shape industry trajectories amid these complex debates.
