Introduction - National Spectrum Strategy 37 GHz Spectrum Sharing Report
Developing a National Spectrum Strategy
This report provides recommendations and findings to expand Federal and non-Federal access in the 37.0-37.6 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band (Lower 37 GHz band) for innovative advanced wireless uses, consistent with the National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) and the NSS Implementation Plan (1-Plan).1 The Lower 37 GHz band presents a unique opportunity for advancing military missions and fostering technology and policy innovation for sharing between Federal and non-Federal users. With co-primary allocations for both Federal and non-Federal systems, the band shows promise for expanding government and commercial deployments alike. 2
The NSS identified the Lower 37 GHz band as one of five spectrum ranges for in-depth study. The NSS directed a study to advance "a co-equal, shared-use framework allowing Federal and non-Federal users to deploy operations" in the 37.0-37.6 GHz band.3
This report builds on collaboration between the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that occurred in 2020-2021. The I-Plan designates DoD, in coordination with NTIA and the FCC, as the lead for finalizing the study plan and project schedule and completing the study. The I-Plan also directs DoD and NTIA to complete the final report by November 2024 in coordination with the Interagency Spectrnm Advisory Council (ISAC).4 An FCC Public Notice, released on August 9, 2024, sought information on sharing issues in the Lower 37 GHz band.5
Methodology
To better understand the requirements necessary to support co-equal sharing in the Lower 37 GHz band, we coordinated with various stakeholders, including DoD subject-matter experts, other Federal spectrum users, the FCC, and the commercial wireless industry.
Historical Context
This section examines the historical background which provides a chronological summary of the interests and outcomes of wireless operations in the Lower 37 GHz band.
Recent Developments
In 2020, the FCC, NTIA and DoD began discussions on a possible coordination mechanism that would bring to fruition the innovative co-equal sharing framework envisioned for the Lower 37 GHz band.
Potential Use Cases
The Public Notice inquired about a variety of potential use cases for the Lower 37 GHz band, including AMS, fixed wireless broadband, point-to-point links, Internet of Things networks, device-to-device operations, augmented reality applications, smart cities, smart grids, and as part of private networks.
1 See NTIA, National Spectrum Strategy at 3, 6-7 (November 13, 2023), ("NSS") and NTIA, National Spectrum Strategy Implementation Plan ("I-Plan") at A-12, (March 12, 2024), ("I-Plan").
2 See NTIA, "Lower 37 GHz- Stakeholder Engagement Update," July 10, 2024.
3 See NTIA, NSS at 3, 6-7 (2023) and NTIA, I-Plan at A-12 (2024).
4 See NTIA, NSS I- Plan at A-12, (2024).
5 See FCC, Information Sought on Sharing in the Lower 3 7 GH: Band in Connection with the National Spectrum Strategy Implementation Plan, Public Notice, WT Docket No. 24-243, released August 9, 2024 ("FCC Public Notice").