More Spectrum to be Allocated for 5G Above 24 GHz

By The Editors of AGL

November 2, 2017

The FCC will vote on a proceeding next month to make more millimeter wave (mmW) spectrum above 24 GHz available for 5G and IoT. In particular, an additional 1700 megahertz of spectrum would be freed up in the 24.25-24.45 and 24.75-25.25 GHz band (24 GHz band) and the 47.2-48.2 GHz band.

The proceeding brings the total amount of mmW spectrum available for next generation wireless up to 13 gigahertz, when added to the spectrum already made available for flexible wireless use in the 27.5-28.35 GHz (28 GHz), 37-38.6 GHz (37 GHz), 38.6-40 GHz (39 GHz band), and 64-71 GHz bands.

“In recent years, technological advances have increased our ability to harness mmW technology for fixed and mobile wireless communications in high band spectrum, while demand for connected products and services continues to grow,” the FCC said. “This item would take further action to facilitate the development of advanced wireless services and provide greater and more flexible access in spectrum bands above 24 GHz.”

The commission will continue to evaluate additional mmW bands and, in a separate proceeding, it will look at bands above 95 GHz.