The FCC has voted in favour of a spectrum band for small cells that would be shared by government agencies, as well as other users from the public and private sectors.

The regulator is proposing to set aside 100 MHz of spectrum in 3.5 GHz band which is currently used by government agencies and satellites. These existing users would receive first priority.

But hospitals are among the groups in the second category, along with utilities, government facilities and public safety agencies, explains GigaOm. This group would gain priority in specific geographic areas.

Gaining access to additional spectrum might open up some new opportunities for hospitals.

The third category includes established operators and any other interested parties who want to set up a network in the gaps in the spectrum that remain available.