ODV, Today, as expected, the FCC adopted final rules for commercial licensing of the 3.45-3.55 GHz band as directed by Congress. Amateur secondary use is being allowed to continue throughout the 3.3-3.45 GHz band indefinitely, pending future FCC action. This decision improves upon the FCC’s original proposal in December, 2019, to clear amateurs out of the entire band now; and also is 50 MHz better than the Commission’s proposal last September to allow amateurs temporary use in 3.3-3.4 GHz. Consistent with our secondary status, amateurs must ensure that signals are enough below 3.45 GHz so as to not cause harmful interference to the new commercial operators when they come on line, as well to protect federal government operations throughout the band. (The FCC is engaged in negotiations with the federal government users over access to some or all of the remaining 3.1 – 3.45 GHz band, the timing and outcome of which is uncertain.) Within the 3.45-3.50 GHz spectrum, Amateur secondary operations will be required to cease 90 days after Public Notice that the auction has closed (which marks the initiation of licensing). The final cessation date is expected to be in early 2022. As you know, we discussed these issues with Commission staff last week. Doing so puts us in a better position than otherwise when the expected new proceeding is commenced to address the remaining 3 GHz spectrum. At a previous WRC this spectrum was harmonized with worldwide allocations conducive to use for broadband 5G services and commercial 5G equipment already is available that can use these frequencies, which is why we are seeing it withdrawn or severely limited wherever amateurs have been using it. For now, we have extended our access and use. Please send me anything you see about amateurs using this spectrum so that we have material collected for the next regulatory round whenever it commences. The final rules and accompanying text is expected to be released within the next several days. Attached is the FCC press release and Commissioner statements released today. Amateur radio is not mentioned in these documents, but at the meeting it was confirmed that the amateurs were being permitted to continue secondary operations in the entire 3.3-3.45 GHz span. As always, please direct questions or comments to me. 73, Dave David R. Siddall Managing Partner DS Law, PLLC 1629 K St. NW, Ste 300 Washington, DC 20006 direct: +1 202 559 4690 Unauthorized Disclosure Prohibited. This e-mail is intended solely for the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, it is prohibited to disclose, copy, distribute, or use the contents of this email and its attachments. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all electronic and physical copies of the e-mail message and its attachments. Unintended transmission shall not constitute waiver of attorney-client or any other privilege. Thank you.
