WISPA Encouraged by DoD-NTIA Study on 37 GHz Band

The following statement may be attributed to Richard Bernhardt, Vice President, Spectrum & Industry, WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries:

December 4, 2024 – Today the DoD and NTIA released its report on the co-equal, shared-use framework of the lower 37 GHz band.  Among other things, the DoD and NTIA recognized the need for “flexible access for both Federal and non-Federal users to foster technological advances and policy innovation,” including such use cases as “fixed wireless access; high-capacity backhaul…[and] private networks that support industrial IoT, smart factories and other high-bandwidth indoor communications applications.”

WISPA has long worked to improve meaningful access to finite spectrum resources.  Common shared spectrum use akin to the CBRS band represents an important, proven way to get more out of underutilized spectrum.  WISPA is pleased to see NTIA agreeing that sharing with the government for commercial uses is at the forefront of the discussion.  We remain hopeful that NTIA and FCC can ultimately achieve such a regime in the lower 37 GHz band – one which accommodates a wide variety of commercial uses, including that for licensed fixed wireless operations.  Access to more commercial spectrum means more people enjoying its myriad benefits, especially those in the rural, under-resourced and Tribal parts of America.

Celebrating 20 Years of WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members provide fixed broadband connectivity and include equipment suppliers, support services, and other industry partners and stakeholders. Our members provide broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban, and Tribal areas across America.

Contact
Mike Wendy
WISPA
202-763-5257
mwendy@wispa.org