Another milestone has occurred in the advancement of commercial use of the 3.5 GHz band.  In a just released Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has conditionally approved seven Spectrum Access System (“SAS”) Administrators, who will assign, authorize, and manage use of frequencies the 3.5 GHz band.   These Administrators are:  Amdocs, Inc.; Comsearch, CTIA – The Wireless Association, Federated Wireless, Google, Inc.; Key Bridge; and Sony Electronics, Inc.
 
The importance of the SAS Administrators in the functioning of the 3.5 GHz ecosystem and the regulatory requirements for potential 3.5 GHz operators were detailed in The CommLaw Group’s most recent posting, SAS Interoperability Achieved:  A Giant Leap for 5G; Small, but Many Regulatory Steps Remain for CBRS Operators  The conditional approval of seven SAS Administrators is major step toward implementing commercial use of the 3.5 GHz band.
 
As has been previously discussed at length the 3.5 GHz band provides numerous opportunities for radiofrequency (“RF”) equipment providers and service carriers.  The FCC’s rules providing for regulatory flexibility and low barrier to entry for service providers via shared, unlicensed spectrum will enable carriers to expand their services and implement new services.  And, as the band will be heavily equipment-centric, RF equipment manufacturers and vendors should have a strong market for their products, as long as applicable regulations are followed.
 
If you have any questions concerning the 3.5 GHz band and regulatory issues associated with it, please contact Ron Quirk at req@commlawgroup.com, or 703-714-1305.