The US regulator has commenced the award of mmWave spectrum in the 28GHz band.
Background: The FCC has been laying the groundwork for 5G for some time now, planning spectrum awards and reforming the framework for bands currently in use (see the CBRS service in the 3.5GHz band, or the proposal to update the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) in the 2.5GHz band.
What’s new? The first ‘High-band’ auction, whose planned was finalised in August 2018, has just gone underway. Auction 101 offers 3,072 Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) licences in the 28GHz band to the 40 bidders admitted to the process.
What’s next? The auction is likely to go on for a few weeks. Shortly after, it will be time for Auction 102, which will offer spectrum in the 24GHz band; the dates for this award will be announced after the end of Auction 101. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has already announced plans for more auctions in 2019, in the 37GHz, 39GHz, and 47GHz bands.
