FCC seeks comment on 482 MHz for direct-to-device service

The FCC on Oct. 29 sought comment on making an additional 482 megahertz of spectrum available for supplemental coverage from space, the direct-to-device service meant to fill coverage gaps where terrestrial networks cannot reach.

The proposal would raise the number of bands where SCS is authorized from five to 13. The FCC proposes to drop the SCS geographically independent area and lease requirements and replace them with adaptable geographic license areas and coexistence agreements, saying the existing rules have created a need for routine waivers. "This proposal seeks comment on eliminating burdensome SCS requirements that have created the need for routine waivers," the FCC said.

For spectrum and tower underwriters, the auction calendar the FCC laid out the same day is the nearer-term input. The commission said it intends to auction 25 MHz of mid-band spectrum in the 1,655–1,695 MHz and 2,020–2,025 MHz bands for terrestrial 5G, D2D or hybrid use, with the C-Band auction due by July and up to 160 MHz on offer. The 482 MHz item is a comment request, so it points a direction before it creates any licence value.

The comment request follows a meeting last week in which CTIA and executives from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile argued that 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz should come out of the draft SCS and direct-to-device rules. The carriers said use of certain spectrum for D2D could hamper their core 5G networks; both bands are heavily used for 5G and sit among the time-division duplex bands they want excluded.