Spectrum that couldn't do broadband gets three new ways to try
The band set aside for wireless communication went underused because the communication rules were too rigid to communicate with.
What happened
The Federal Communications Commission has opened up the entire 896-901/935-940 MHz band for broadband use. This means companies can now get licenses for larger chunks of this radio spectrum, up to 5 MHz wide, which is better suited for faster internet services.
Why it matters
This change allows for more efficient use of a specific radio frequency band. Previously, this band was mostly used for narrower communication channels. Now, it can support faster data speeds, potentially enabling new broadband services in areas where spectrum was limited. This could lead to more competition or better service options for consumers and businesses using these frequencies.
The signal
Incumbent licensees with existing narrowband holdings now have to decide whether to restack into larger channels or sell, and that transaction pressure surfaces within the next licensing cycle.
The FCC announced that for the first time, operators in the 896-901/935-940 MHz band can choose flexible channel sizes. The three flexible sizes are narrowband, 3/3, and 5/5.