FCC Announces Multiple Actions to Expand Access to 3.5 GHz Spectrum

The Federal Communications Commission announced its latest efforts to make mid-band spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band (3550-3700 MHz) available for 5G and other advanced wireless services to a diverse array of operators, including actions that will enable commercial deployments in the 3550-3650 MHz band segment in Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa for the first time. After close coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Defense, the FCC has taken the following three actions related to 3.5 GHz Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) and Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) approvals:

• Approved new and updated ESC sensor deployment and coverage plans of four ESC operators – CommScope Inc, Google, Federated Wireless Inc, and Key Bridge Wireless LLC, clearing the way for commercial access to the 3550-3650 MHz portion of the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in Puerto Rico and Guam for the first time.
• Approved Federated Wireless to expand its SAS operations to cover the 3550- 3650 MHz portion of the 3.5 GHz band in American Samoa consistent with protection criteria described by NTIA in a letter filed with the FCC on April 26, 2021, which will enable the first CBRS deployments in that portion of the band in American Samoa.
• Conditionally approved three entities that applied during the Second Wave SAS application window – Fairspectrum LLC, Nokia, and RED Technologies, completing the first phase of the two-stage SAS application review process established by the FCC.