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FCC Plans to Overhaul Rules Governing Upper Microwave Spectrum

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays a central role in managing the United States’ radio frequency spectrum—a limited and invaluable resource that underpins all modern wireless communication. From allocating frequency bands to setting usage policies, the FCC ensures that public and commercial interests coexist across the airwaves.

One segment of this spectrum, known as the upper microwave spectrum—typically ranging from 7 GHz to 24 GHz—has long been used for satellite services, wireless backhaul, and fixed communications. However, as American society barrels toward a hyper-connected future fueled by 5G networks, smart infrastructure, and edge computing, industry demand is rapidly outpacing the regulatory structure that governs this bandwidth.

The FCC is now planning a sweeping redesign of its upper microwave rules to better align with this new era of technological convergence and bandwidth-intensive applications. These changes are being driven by immediate pressures: skyrocketing wireless data use, densification of network infrastructure, and the competitive race to lead in next-generation connectivity.

Why America’s digital future depends on smarter spectrum rules

Decoding the Upper Microwave Spectrum: What Makes It Different

Frequency Boundaries and Modern Wireless Relevance

The upper microwave spectrum refers to frequencies typically ranging from 6 GHz to 100 GHz, encompassing the millimeter wave (mmWave) bands used for advanced wireless communications. Within this span, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) often prioritizes bands above 24 GHz when defining upper microwave for rulemaking purposes. These frequencies play a central role in next-generation connectivity, including 5G networks, backhaul links for mobile carriers, and high-capacity, low-latency data services.

How It Differs from Traditional Spectrum Allocations

Lower-frequency bands—such as the VHF (30 MHz to 300 MHz) and UHF (300 MHz to 3 GHz) ranges—have underpinned much of traditional wireless use, from FM radio and over-the-air television to first-generation mobile networks. Signals in these ranges travel farther and penetrate walls more effectively, making them ideal for broad coverage with fewer base stations.

In contrast, upper microwave frequencies behave differently. The shorter wavelengths limit their range and penetration power, but enable much higher data throughput and much lower interference when deployed in dense network environments.

Performance Characteristics That Define the Spectrum

With the growing demand for high-throughput, short-range connectivity, particularly in urban and enterprise environments, the upper microwave spectrum stands at the center of wireless infrastructure evolution. As capacity demands rise, the physical properties of this spectrum support innovation at scale—provided regulatory frameworks evolve in tandem.

FCC Targets Flexibility, Innovation in Upper Microwave Spectrum Overhaul

Blueprint for Reform: Key Elements of the FCC Proposal

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a regulatory modernization plan focused on the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) spectrum, specifically the 12.7–13.25 GHz band. According to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 22-94), the agency seeks to enable more intensive and efficient use of these frequencies, moving away from legacy frameworks designed for outdated models of spectrum use.

This overhaul introduces a suite of reforms that include:

Services in Focus: Who Stands to Gain?

The proposed reforms directly affect multiple service categories. Fixed wireless networks benefit from the high capacity and line-of-sight utility of the band, particularly critical in rural and underserved markets. For 5G, this segment offers critical backhaul solutions where fiber is infeasible or cost-prohibitive. Enterprises—in sectors ranging from logistics to smart manufacturing—may leverage this spectrum for latency-sensitive, high-density connectivity within private and hybrid networks.

What the FCC Wants to Achieve

By remapping the way spectrum is licensed and shared, the FCC aims to unlock previously under-utilized resources. The reform intends to strike a balance: enabling modern high-demand services while safeguarding legacy operations like satellite broadcast links and existing point-to-point microwave systems. Shared access models will incorporate interference mitigation tools to ensure coexistence.

This process isn’t occurring in isolation. The 12.7–13.25 GHz band lies adjacent to other midband spectrum segments currently under evaluation or reallocation. The FCC’s actions synchronize with broader Department of Commerce initiatives and coordination through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)'s National Spectrum Strategy.

From the Commission: A Strategic Vision

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the forward-looking nature of the action, stating: “We need to make spectrum decisions today that support the technologies of tomorrow. By launching this proceeding, we are exploring how to make 12.7 GHz available for new commercial wireless uses, while also ensuring existing services remain protected.”

This statement reflects a dual commitment—maximizing spectral efficiency while preserving the operability of current systems. The agency’s approach reflects a departure from first-come, first-served allocations, ushering in a harmonized model that anticipates the evolving bandwidth needs of a connected economy.

Economic Ripple Effects of the FCC’s Upper Microwave Spectrum Reform

Wider Economic Impact: Job Growth, GDP Gains, and New Markets

The FCC’s proposed overhaul of the upper microwave spectrum (above 95 GHz) will directly stimulate economic activity across multiple layers of the telecom and tech sectors. Analysts from Accenture estimate that 5G deployment, which will heavily rely on this spectrum, could lead to the creation of up to 3 million new jobs in the U.S. by 2025. Many of these positions will span engineering, manufacturing, software development, and maintenance roles.

Expanding access to high-band spectrum also strengthens the digital foundation of sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. This facilitates new business models, such as ultra-low latency remote surgeries or AI-powered supply chains. According to the CTIA, the wireless industry already contributes 4.8% to U.S. GDP, equating to nearly $1.4 trillion annually. Reforming spectrum regulations at this scale increases that footprint, enabling faster time-to-market for services that hinge on high-bandwidth capabilities.

Bringing Broadband to Underserved and Rural Communities

Reallocating and modernizing spectrum access rules opens up new pathways for rural broadband deployment. Legacy licensing models often discouraged investment in remote regions due to high costs and low expected ROI. However, with flexible sharing frameworks and expanded spectrum availability, smaller providers and cooperatives can enter the market more competitively.

This shift enables providers to deploy fixed wireless access solutions that bypass the need for traditional buried fiber, particularly in geographies where trenching is cost-prohibitive or logistically complex. The FCC has already documented improved wireless penetration in test initiatives using mmWave spectrum in regions like tribal lands and remote counties.

Enhancing U.S. Broadband and Innovation Leadership

Leading access to mmWave spectrum gives American tech firms a performance edge in designing next-gen wireless applications. Edge computing, connected vehicle infrastructure, and immersive AR/VR ecosystems all benefit from the vast bandwidth and low latency these bands support. By enabling early commercial access, the FCC also positions the U.S. to shape international standards—especially in 6G policy foundational work.

Looking at global positioning, GSMA Intelligence projects that leadership in 5G deployment can influence up to $565 billion in global GDP by 2030, a portion of which will flow directly to countries with early, efficient spectrum strategies. The FCC reform thus operates not just as a domestic policy move, but as a geopolitical lever in the digital competition of the 21st century.

Impacts on Fiber Investment and Long-Term ROI Models

While the upper microwave bands primarily serve wireless applications, they also indirectly shape fiber infrastructure strategy. Small cell networks require dense backhaul; each mmWave node demands a high-capacity cable link to the core network. This elevates demand for fiber in both urban and edge scenarios.

According to a report by Deloitte, projected fiber investment needed to support full 5G deployment in the U.S. stands at $130–150 billion over 5–7 years. With expanded spectrum licensing, telecom providers can accelerate monetization timelines, improving overall return on infrastructure investment. Faster revenue realization from new verticals—like connected industrial facilities or private 5G campuses—further reduces the payback period for these high-cost deployments.

Unlocking the Full Potential of 5G: The Role of Upper Microwave and Millimeter Wave Technology

How Upper Microwave Spectrum Powers Advanced 5G Use Cases

The upper microwave spectrum, typically encompassing frequencies from 6 GHz to 24 GHz, forms a critical bridge between sub-6 GHz bands and millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies above 24 GHz. Its characteristics—wider channel bandwidth and moderately short range—make it primed for densely packed 5G applications requiring high capacity and low latency.

mmWave: A Strategic Asset for Urban and Enterprise Deployments

Millimeter wave bands, ranging from 24 GHz to 100 GHz, offer massive bandwidth potential—up to 800 MHz per channel. Although radio propagation is limited, mmWave performance excels in line-of-sight conditions typical of urban canyons or controlled enterprise zones.

In 2019, Verizon’s mmWave rollout in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis demonstrated peak download speeds exceeding 1.8 Gbps using 28 GHz. Indoor enterprise deployments—from hospitals to data centers—benefit significantly, as mmWave supports ultra-high device density without suffering from the congestion that plagues traditional Wi-Fi networks.

Fiber and mmWave: Complementary for High-Speed Backhaul

The success of upper microwave and mmWave-based 5G hinges on rigorous backhaul infrastructure. Fiber-optic lines remain the gold standard for core connectivity, but they are cost-prohibitive in hard-to-reach areas. In these cases, fixed wireless backhaul using mmWave can substitute or augment fiber links.

Operators such as AT&T and Rakuten have already implemented hybrid backhaul models, combining mmWave (e.g., 60 GHz unlicensed V-band) to cover short distances and fiber to anchor the network. This dual approach reduces deployment costs while preserving ultrafast data throughput across the access and transport layers.

Unlocking Growth: Infrastructure and Spectrum Licensing in a Revamped Upper Microwave Band

Current State of Wireless Infrastructure and Ongoing Challenges

Wireless networks across the United States rely on a patchwork of infrastructure shaped by legacy systems, uneven investment, and evolving technological demands. In high-frequency bands—particularly in millimeter wave (mmWave) ranges like 24 GHz, 28 GHz, and above—deployment complexity increases due to their short range and higher attenuation rates. To ensure continuous coverage, dense small cell networks must replace the broad macro-tower model used in lower frequency bands.

Despite considerable 5G rollouts since 2019, fiber backhaul availability, permitting delays, and zoning restrictions remain persistent bottlenecks. According to CTIA’s 2023 Wireless Industry Survey, more than 417,000 cell sites were active in the U.S.—up from 308,000 in 2016—but deployment pace still lags behind coverage needs for high-band spectrum, particularly in rural and underserved markets.

Flexible Spectrum Licensing Drives Scalable Infrastructure

As wireless operators pivot toward network densification, licensed spectrum holdings must offer versatility. Rigid geographic licensing models and service-specific allocations create inefficiencies that limit adaptability. Flexible licensing, including geographic partitioning and spectrum leasing, allows licensees to adjust deployments based on urban density, use-case requirements, and technological evolution.

The FCC’s exploratory notice proposes to expand such flexibilities within the upper microwave band (above 95 GHz), which aligns with broader U.S. goals of refining dynamic spectrum sharing and promoting non-exclusive allocations. This agility enables carriers, infrastructure providers, and vertical industries to scale operations more cost-effectively while responding quickly to demand fluctuations.

Spectrum Auctions as a Market Gateway

FCC auctions have historically been the gateway for commercial access to high-value spectrum. Between 2016 and 2021, the Commission raised approximately $202 billion through competitive bidding—a mechanism that offsets spectrum scarcity while favoring market efficiency. Block assignments in the 24, 28, and 39 GHz bands illustrate this model.

The upper microwave bands have received limited auction-based attention due to their prior designation for experimental or federal use. A reform aimed at broadening service rules and reconfiguring allocations above 95 GHz will open the floor for new bidding rounds. With clearer usage rights and interoperable standards, auction-based licensing can attract innovation-focused incumbents and new entrants into high-frequency markets.

Streamlining Licensing to Accelerate Investment

Reducing administrative barriers will directly stimulate private and public sector investment in mmWave infrastructure. Under current rules, acquiring licenses often involves navigating fragmented service rules, inter-service coordination requirements, and legacy restrictions ill-suited to modern applications.

Recommendations backed by industry coalitions, such as the Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group (BITAG), include:

These changes won’t just reduce entry barriers—they will also improve deployment timelines, allowing infrastructure to scale in parallel with spectrum availability.

Strategic Shifts: Impacts on Key Telecommunications Services

TV Relay Systems Above 13 GHz: Adaptation in Focus

TV station relay systems, especially studio-to-transmitter links (STLs), heavily depend on the 13–17 GHz segment of the upper microwave spectrum. Under the FCC’s proposed changes, these operations remain protected, but they face new parameters on coordination zones and shared-use strategies. While interference concerns are mitigated through geo-location databases and dynamic spectrum access protocols, small-market broadcasters may need additional investment to update aging point-to-point infrastructure.

Legacy Protections with a Framework for Innovation

The FCC’s overhaul includes provisions to preserve incumbent operations while integrating a coexistence regime. This dual-track approach embodies two key mechanisms:

This hybrid regulatory model ensures that spectrum occupied by long-standing players—such as utilities and transportation networks—won’t be reclaimed arbitrarily, even as spectrum becomes accessible for 5G backhaul or edge computing connections.

Service Providers on the Edge: Fixed Wireless, Satellite Internet, and FTTH

Unlicensed and lightly licensed access above 12.7 GHz creates new competitive possibilities for tier-two and rural broadband providers. Specifically:

An expanded upper microwave footprint gives these providers alternative routes to deliver carrier-grade service without overbuilding fiber or navigating the dense infrastructure layers of mid-band spectrum.

Hybrid Broadband Deployment: A Tactical Case Study

Consider a rural carrier operating in southwestern Colorado. The terrain obstructs traditional fiber placement, and snowy conditions limit satellite signal reliability. By leveraging new rules to deploy directional microwave links in the 14–15 GHz band for backhaul, combined with localized FTTH nodes, the company could establish a resilient hybrid network. Each microwave link would serve as a high-capacity trunk line feeding isolated fiber-fed distribution points.

This model, scalable and cost-controllable, hinges on access to spectrum under rules that allow flexible use and minimal delays in coordination—exactly the parameters the FCC’s reform sets in motion.

Policy Trends Shaping Spectrum Reform in the Digital Era

Reforming the upper microwave spectrum aligns with a broader trend in U.S. spectrum policy—one marked by strategic planning, legislative involvement, and global benchmarking. The FCC’s overhaul doesn't exist in isolation; it builds on a decade of coordinated efforts to modernize spectrum use for next-generation technologies and national competitiveness.

Embedding Spectrum Reform in the National Broadband Strategy

The FCC’s move reflects continuity with the National Broadband Plan released in 2010, which outlined steps to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband. That framework set explicit goals: freeing up 500 MHz of spectrum over ten years and promoting efficient use of underutilized bands. The current focus on upper microwave frequencies extends this trajectory by targeting additional bandwidth for high-capacity applications like fixed wireless access, small cells, and point-to-point backhaul.

Further momentum came from initiatives like the 5G FAST Plan and its successor programs. These accelerated the auction and reallocation of high-frequency spectrum, showcasing the FCC’s intent to lead the global 5G transition. Making spectrum in the 12.7–13.25 GHz range more accessible fits squarely within this nationwide push.

Mirroring Global Strategies in Europe and Asia

Globally, regulators have adopted similar approaches to optimize high-band spectrum. The European Union’s Radio Spectrum Policy Group endorsed harmonized use of millimeter wave frequencies for 5G, identifying the 26 GHz band as a priority. Countries such as Germany and Italy already auctioned these bands for commercial 5G deployments.

In Asia, nations like South Korea and Japan moved early to commercialize mmWave spectrum, with Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT allocating 28 GHz spectrum licenses starting in 2018. Japan followed a hybrid licensing model, combining auctions with coverage obligations to accelerate nationwide reach. These reforms helped accelerate deployment timelines, consumer adoption, and innovation ecosystems around high-band connectivity.

Balancing Innovation with Public Interest

Every regulatory shift must navigate a core tension: how to unlock innovation potential while safeguarding public spectrum users. The upgraded rules under development aim to balance commercial use with critical public services, including satellite operations and federal incumbents. Spectrum sharing frameworks and interference protection criteria anchor this equilibrium—enabling flexible access models without undermining legacy users.

Public interest groups and telecom watchdogs play a watchdog role here, ensuring access equity, competitive fairness, and technical accountability. Their input during comment periods and rulemaking cycles directly shapes the final framework.

Who’s Driving the Reform Behind the Scenes?

This intersection of political mandate, agency coordination, and private sector advocacy will continue to determine how quickly and effectively rules for the upper microwave spectrum evolve—and whether the U.S. will remain competitive in the global race for mobile technology leadership.

Positioning America as a Global Leader in Telecom Innovation

Strategic Advantages in Spectrum Policy Leadership

Countries that shape spectrum policies with agility and foresight secure a decisive edge in global telecommunications. When the United States leads spectrum innovation, it attracts foreign investment, accelerates domestic R&D, and shapes global standards to its advantage. Through proactive reforms, the FCC has the ability to reinforce the nation's dominance in spectrum-dependent technologies—particularly in upper microwave bands that power next-gen wireless systems and satellite constellations.

Take Japan and South Korea. Their aggressive spectrum allocation strategies fueled early 5G rollouts, challenging U.S. supremacy in wireless speed benchmarks. By revisiting rules for the 12.7–13.25 GHz band, the U.S can reverse this trend, unlocking the spectrum resources necessary for vast data-intensive deployments—from remote medical diagnostics to autonomous vehicle networks.

Consequences of Bureaucratic Delay

Regulatory inertia cedes ground to faster-moving nations and private sector coalitions overseas. Delay doesn’t translate to stability—it intensifies inefficiency. While the FCC evaluates new frameworks, countries like China continue developing state-owned infrastructure that executes strategic spectrum priorities without procedural friction.

If updates to the upper microwave spectrum remain stalled in procedural loops, the result will be an innovation drain. Startups may relocate to friendlier jurisdictions. Conglomerates will divert capital to foreign markets offering clearer deployment paths. And U.S.-made technologies will play catch-up in international standards discussions rather than setting the benchmarks.

Cross-Sector Collaboration as a Competitive Lever

Transforming spectrum policy requires more than regulatory tools; it demands cross-industry alliance. Fiber network operators possess ground-level infrastructure intelligence. Terrestrial 5G vendors bring real-time performance data. Satellite operators and broadcasters offer perspective on orbital assets and legacy frequency priorities. When these voices converge, regulators gain multidimensional insights that no internal task force can replicate.

Such cooperation turns rulemaking from a bureaucratic exercise into a responsive innovation toolkit.

Boosting America's Global Telecom Competitiveness

Global telecom is a race built on velocity, coordination, and resource optimization. Countries that harmonize their spectrum policies with technological timelines dictate future network paradigms. For the U.S., regulatory agility in high-frequency bands directly influences its negotiating power in global telecom forums, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Enabling quicker public-private coordination and technical deployment across the upper microwave spectrum allows U.S. manufacturers, network designers, and digital service providers to export not just products—but system blueprints. American wireless infrastructure becomes a replicable global model. Domestic reforms, then, go beyond national benefit—they amplify U.S. leadership in a marketplace that now defines economic conflict and strategic alignment.

What’s Next for FCC Spectrum Reform?

Timeline for the Rulemaking Road Ahead

The FCC initiated its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the upper microwave spectrum in late 2023, setting the stage for a structured regulatory overhaul. The rulemaking process unfolds across several predictable stages: publication in the Federal Register, a 30 to 60-day public comment window, a reply comment period, followed by internal agency review. With this pacing, final decisions and potential rule adoption could materialize by early to mid-2025, depending on public input volume and inter-agency coordination.

Public Input: Where Stakeholders Shape Policy

Public participation defines the pace and scope of spectrum liberalization. Telecommunications carriers, infrastructure startups, municipal broadband advocates, and academic researchers are submitting data-backed comments to shape the final policy framework. Engage directly through the official FCC Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), responding to proceeding number 23-261. Structured arguments backed by measurements, deployment projections, and technical feasibility models consistently gain the most traction.

Signals to Monitor from the Commission

Rethinking the Role of High-Frequency Wireless

Modernizing upper microwave rules means more than bandwidth—it’s about empowering America’s digital services and economic future. A reformed framework will unlock efficient infrastructure rollouts, support dense urban 5G cores, and set the stage for edge computing ecosystems. In an economy increasingly defined by wireless speed, spectral agility, and zero-latency connections, those bold shifts in regulation will function as economic multipliers across sectors—from telehealth to AI logistics.