On June 07, 2018 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of United States released a proposed rule to comment modifications in the 2.5 GHz band (2496 – 2690 MHz). The use of this band has been limited since 1995 for Educational Broadband Service (EBS) licensees used by accredited public and private schools, ONGs, and government. With this new proposition, the Commission wants to provide a more efficient and flexible use for next-generation wireless broadband like 5G.
The key points of discussion for this regulation are the following:
-Rationalize existing 2.5GHz holdings to allow a flexible use of this band by geographical areas.
This rationalization will be automatic, so previous licensees will not be affected. Additional flexibility for EBS licensees to allow to eliminate restrictions in the EBS lease terms and the rule that limits the use of this band to some entities.
-Opportunities to acquire new 2.5 GHz licensees.
There will be unassigned portions of this band that could be used by rural communities that previously did not have access to this band.
Additionally…
The Commission proposes new requirements for the 2.5 GHz licensees in terms of performance benchmarks and also for renewal standards cleaning up the 2.5 GHz rules and eliminate the BRS/ EBS transition rules.
People interested in submitting comments can do so before July 9, 2018, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov or the FCC website https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings