The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced plans to make available additional spectrum for mobile broadband services, stating that it is “taking a major step forward in spectrum policy by authorising advanced spectrum sharing among commercial and federal operators”.

The watchdog said it is looking to create a “three-tiered commercial radio service” in the 3.5GHz band, with 100MHz of newly-available frequencies added to 50MHz already available for commercial use in this band. The use of spectrum sharing technology will allow wireless broadband systems to share spectrum with military radar and other incumbent systems, it said.

In addition to a “protected incumbent tier,” two commercial levels have been authorised: general authorised access, which allows any user with a certified device to operate without seeking further approval, which will “permit low-cost entry into the band, similar to unlicensed uses”; and a priority access tier, which will “make geographical targeted, short-term priority rights to a portion of the band available through future spectrum auctions”.

“In years to come, I think we will look back on the efforts as a watershed in furthering a cooperative environment between the FCC and our federal counterparts, and pushing forward the state of the art in spectrum sharing,” Tom Wheeler, chairman of the FCC, said in a statement.

He also touched on the potential of 3.5GHz frequencies for LTE-Unlicensed use, supplementing operators’ licenced 4G frequencies.

“While this issue is not at the core of this proceeding, it has been getting a lot of attention lately. We maintain our historical policy of technological neutrality in today’s item, but will continue to closely monitor standards bodies’ deliberations with respect to the use of LTE-U in the 3.5GHz band, and in the 5GHz band, in addition to potential prestandards deployments,” he said.

“Various parties have already met with Commission staff to discuss the technical aspects of these technologies. In order to ensure that the public has a window into these discussions, I have directed the staff to draft a Public Notice within 30 days, opening a docket in which interested parties can file their perspectives,” Wheeler said.