Spectrum Sharing Will Happen First in U.S. Market

At this point, spectrum sharing is slated for study by the World Radio Conference for all communications spectrum above 24.25 GHz, up to 86 GHz.

Spectrum sharing is authorized in the 3.5-GHz band in the United States and in the 3.2-GHz range in Europe.

Since 2014, the FCC has been looking at:

• 24.25-24.45 GHz
• 25.05-25.25 GHz
• 27.5-28.35 GHz
• 29.1-29.25 GHz
• 31-31.3 GHz
• 38.6-40 GHz
• 37.0-38.6 GHz
• 42.0-42.5 GHz
• 60 GHz bands (57-64 GHz and 64-71 GHz)
• 70/80 GHz bands (71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz)
• 92-95 GHz

The FCC followed in 2015 with a formal proposed rulemaking for

• 27.5-28.35 GHz

• 38.6-40 GHz
• 37-38.6 GHz
• 64-71 GHz

The FCC proposed licensed access for:

• 27.5-28.35 GHz
• 38.6-40 GHz

In the 37-38.6 GHz band a hybrid access system is proposed, with outdoor access licensed and indoor access unlicensed for property owners.

Unlicensed access is proposed for  64 GHz to 71 GHz.

In Asia, China, Korea and Japan are looking at millimeter wave spectrum between 3 GHz and 5 GHz. In the high range, Korea and Japan have expressed intent to use all or parts of the 26.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz range for delivery of enhanced mobile broadband applications.

The Asia-Pacific Tele-Community is looking at spectrum in the 3 GHz and 5 GHz regions to support 5G. Spectrum sharing in the bands starting at 24 GHz is being studied as well.