July 13, 2017 
 
FCC FACT SHEET* 
Exploring Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 GHz and 24 GHz  
Notice of Inquiry, GN Docket No. 17-183 
 
Background: In recent years, demand for products and services that use spectrum has increased exponentially, 
and it is expected that this demand will continue to grow as industry develops and deploys 5G networks.  
Moreover, wireless services—and wireless broadband in particular—are critical for economic growth, job 
creation, public safety, and global competitiveness. Recognizing this growing need for additional spectrum for 
flexible wireless use, the Commission has taken several steps to facilitate access to spectrum below 3.7 GHz (e.g., 
the Broadcast Incentive Auction, AWS-3, and 3.5 GHz proceedings), and it has paved the way for new 
opportunities with respect to frequencies above 24 GHz in the Spectrum Frontiers proceeding.   
 
This NOI bridges the gap between those low-frequency and high-frequency bands by examining the 
frequencies between 3.7 GHz and 24 GHz.  It will begin the process of determining whether spectrum in this 
range can be made available for wireless broadband use and will explore various options for doing so. The inquiry 
will focus on exploring potential opportunities in the mid-range bands allocated for exclusive non-federal use and 
for shared federal and nonfederal use. Consistent with established practice, to the extent the Commission 
examines any band that includes a shared allocation for federal use, it will work closely with the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to evaluate the potential operational impacts, costs, 
benefits, and resource considerations associated with any new or expanded non-federal use of shared allocations. 
 
What the NOI Would Do: 
 
? Ask detailed questions about three specific mid-range bands: 3.7-4.2 GHz; 5.925-6.425 GHz; and 6.425-7.125 
GHz that have already garnered interest from stakeholders—both domestically and internationally—for 
expanded flexible use. 
? Ask commenters to identify other bands between 3.7-24 GHz that might be suitable candidates for expanded 
flexible use.   
? Seek comment on long-term strategies that would enhance efficiency and promote flexible use opportunities 
as well as ways to protect and benefit existing non-federal services. 
 
                                                            
* This document is being released as part of a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding. Any presentations or views on the subject 
expressed to the Commission or its staff, including by email, must be filed in GN Docket No. 17-183, which may be accessed 
via the Electronic Comment Filing System (https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/).  Before filing, participants should familiarize 
themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules, including the general prohibition on presentations (written and oral) on 
matters listed on the Sunshine Agenda, which is typically released a week prior to the Commission’s meeting.  See 47 CFR § 
1.1200 et seq.