In November 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) completed a study on the Lower 37 GHz band (37-37.6 GHz). This initiative aims to establish a co-equal, shared-use framework for both government and commercial users in what is referred to as an "innovation band." The effort marks the first deliverable under the National Spectrum Strategy directive, which seeks to maintain U.S. leadership in spectrum-based services.

The findings are the result of a ten-month collaborative effort involving NTIA, DoD, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These organizations have worked together to facilitate Federal and non-Federal operations on a shared basis.

The report proposes a coordination framework that allows for Federal and non-Federal co-primary sharing in the Lower 37 GHz band. It suggests that sharing between Federal and non-Federal users should be on a co-equal basis in the 37.2-37.6 GHz portion of the band. Additionally, it recommends priority access for DoD in the lower 200 megahertz segment (37.0-37.2 GHz), providing a "proving ground" for technological solutions tailored to military needs.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes protecting passive space-based operations in the adjacent 36-37 GHz band. This frequency range is crucial for Earth observations conducted by environmental satellites used by DoD, with data also shared with Federal and international partners.

The recommendations incorporate decisions from the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) regarding protection against potential interference from expanded fixed and mobile wireless deployments enabled by this proposed framework.

The report outlines strategies to enhance sharing opportunities that align with national economic priorities while addressing national security requirements. Public feedback from an FCC Public Notice concerning potential coordination and licensing frameworks contributed significantly to shaping these recommendations.

Acknowledging flexible access needs for both Federal and non-Federal users, potential use cases include fixed wireless access; high-capacity backhaul; Internet of Things networks; augmented reality applications; mobile or private networks supporting industrial IoT; smart factories; and other high-bandwidth indoor communications applications.

Federal entities like DoD may also utilize similar technologies as part of their mission adaptations. The DoD is exploring additional use cases relevant to military missions such as unmanned systems and Wireless Power Transfer.

For further details, interested parties can access the full report at: https://www.ntia.gov/other-publication/2024/national-spectrum-strategy-37-ghz-spectrum-sharing-report.