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FW already has regulatory approval to operate its spectrum access system for 5G:
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-110A1.pdf
I’d imagine a similar approval will be needed to operate in the C-band. I don’t know whether that’s been given yet or when it would be due
Thanks Dorset & Loot for the info.
Do we know if there is any regulatory change needed in order for this to be implemented on 5G?
This article confirms the FW spectrum controller also works in the C-band:
https://www.federatedwireless.com/federated-wireless-extends-spectrum-controller-to-the-6-ghz-band-to-accelerate-wi-fi-6-and-5g-service-delivery/
What we see in these auctions are PALs being assigned to the Telcos. FW are not directly involved but in the sense that this is relevant to FW; I’d say it provides the framework in which FW’s ‘Spectrum Controller’ can operate.
Once the auctions are complete, a secondary market should exist where unused spectrum can be leased between participants. FW’s ‘Spectrum Controller’ will track and manage ownership along with all leaser data. One journalist described FW’s ‘Spectrum Controller’ as a sort of AirBnB for spectrum. As I understand it, FW are the only SAS administrator providing this service.
Looking back over old posts; Echo1 found the following article which I think is well worth a read…
https://www.fiercewireless.com/regulatory/secondary-market-for-spectrum-primed-for-big-change-thanks-to-cbrs
My take away from the article is that there appears to be some debate on whether the big operators will participate in the secondary market for spectrum. So this is the big risk for us investors; it really comes down to whether you believe the secondary market in shared spectrum will take off.
Nevertheless, the article says that the SAS administrators will meet the FCC in September to discuss the arrangements for the functioning of the secondary market (I’m not aware if this has already occurred).
Again, I’d encourage you to read the article; it gives two good examples (sports events and schools) where organisations may wish to lease spectrum short term for a particular time/location.
But you have raised an interesting issue. Everything that I have seen regarding shared spectrum and how it relates to FW’s ‘Spectrum Controller’ has mentioned CBRS but with no mention of C Band. Until now I’ve just assumed the principle applied to both. Why wouldn’t it? But now that you mention that you have been following the CBRS authorisation process for years and you are not aware of a similar process for C Band; well, that’s got me thinking.
If anybody can find any information that confirms C Band spectrum can be shared via FW’s ‘Spectrum Controller’ then that would clear things up. I’ve had a brief look on the website but will do more research later in the week.
Hi Loot,
Thanks for the reply... I am by no stretch an expert here - I have been following the FCC authorisation process for spectrum sharing on cbrs for quite some time, noting the years it has taken to gain FCC approval, and was not aware of a similar process for the c band, i.e. the auction will not be a PAL style auction will it?
My take on cbrs was that in order to use it you need to do so via a SAS? No such requirement is predefined for 5G today which is already being rolled out...
It had not occurred to me however that the telco providers may want to sell off any spare capacity without any changes to the licencing terms - are they already allowed to do this under existing terms?
How would it work? Would the telco's independently choose to sign up to a SAS who would monitor for available capacity the telco owns and utilise as required for a third party? If so then why is the C Band auction significant to Fed - surely the market is there already with existing spectrum?
Hi 123ABC, I'm interested to hear your understanding of C Band and why you believe spectrum sharing is not possible. My only reason to be cautious here is because I'll openly admit that I'm not an expert in this technology and any contributions, positive or negative, are welcome. But let me begin by explaining my understanding and if anyone has an alternative view then I'm happy to reconsider.
I believe C Band is just another part of the spectrum (3.7 and 4.2 GHz) and due to its higher frequency than CBRS (3.5 GHz) it has a greater capacity to carry data. Although C Band transmits over shorter distance than CBRS, C Band is seen as a sweet point on the spectrum having a balance of capacity and geographical reach ideal for 5G. C Band is currently used by government, military and satellite to cable TV providers. But the FCC are now making some of the spectrum available for 5G with the remainder still available for TV programming.
Already, 23 countries have auctioned or allocated C-Band spectrum for 5G usage. I cannot say how many of these countries are considering spectrum sharing and if we are honest, none of us can be 100% sure that spectrum sharing will establish itself as the de facto protocol in any region. However, it makes perfect commercial sense to me that if you paid the money to own spectrum, you will want to lease unused capacity when available as a means to claw back some of that expenditure. See the following link for an introduction to C Band..
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20200106/spectrum/gsa-c-band-is-most-important-spectrum-band-for-5g
Regarding the 'New Thinking' project (along with similar projects in US). I have previously described 5G roll out as a chicken and egg situation where consumers are reluctant to invest in 5G enabled devices before the industry provide 5G services/infrastructure while at the same time the industry may be hesitant to invest until enough consumers own 5G devices. In such a situation it is understandable that the industry invest in projects where revenue is not a motivating factor.
I am probably being dim, but doesnt the nature of the C Band auction imply 5G will not use spectrum sharing?
Perhaps I have not been reading the right stuff as I dont understand what role can Fed play in the 5G space?
I understand Fed are partnering with Cisco in the UK on the 'New Thinking' project, but in what capacity?
What is the revenue stream for Fed on this project? Is it in some form of consultative role or is spectrum sharing being considered for 5G in some countries? If yes then which countries and what progress are the various authorities making?
Evening loot
Fingers crossed for 5G and the future
I hope it makes us all rich ;)
Interesting. Confirms by belief at the time that the $4bn raised for CBRS was indeed at the lower end of estimates. So lets see what happens for C-band. At least we now have a target from Morgan Stanley against which we can judge the success of the December auctions. I'm pretty sure that if it wasn't for Covid we would see a lot more enthusiasm for 5G. Fingers crossed that come December the market can see beyond the Covid news.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley Research raised their C-band mid-point auction forecasts from $23.5 billion in proceeds to about $26 billion, with their high-end estimates at $35.2 billion.
The firm cited a relatively low turnout in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) 3.5 GHz auction as a catalyst, as well as improved macro environment and supportive credit markets. The lower-than-expected turnout by big carriers in the CBRS auction indicates they’re likely saving their gun powder for the big C-band auction, which offers more unencumbered mid-band spectrum for 5G