Media Contact: 
Cecilia Sulhoff, (202) 418-0587
cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC OPENS 100 MEGAHERTZ OF MID-BAND SPECTRUM 
FOR 5G
New 3.45 GHz Band Rules Put FCC on Track for 5G Auction This Year
  -- 
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission today took action to make valuable mid-band spectrum in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band available for auction to facilitate 5G deployment across the contiguous United States.  

Last year’s Consolidated Appropriations Act required the Commission to commence a system of competitive bidding for licenses in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band by the end of this year.  The action taken today positions the agency to meet this obligation, and it marks progress towards fulfilling Congress’s directive in the MOBILE NOW Act for the FCC to work with NTIA to evaluate the feasibility of allowing commercial use in the 3.1-3.55 GHz band.  

The rules adopted today reallocate 100 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.45 GHz band for flexible use wireless services.  This Second Report and Order also establishes a framework for the 3.45 GHz band that will enable robust commercial use by an array of service providers, while also ensuring that federal incumbents are still protected from harmful interference where and when they require continued access to the band. 

Collectively, the 3.45 GHz band and the neighboring 3.5 GHz and 3.7 GHz bands represent 530 megahertz of contiguous mid-band spectrum for 5G, the next generation of wireless services.  5G networks will kickstart the next big digital transformation and connect more people and more things in more places.

Action by the Commission March 17, 2021 by Second Report and Order (FCC 21-32).  Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks approving.  Commissioners Carr and Simington approving in part and concurring in part. Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr and Simington issuing separate statements.

WT Docket No. 19-348

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).