The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to drive more intensive use of the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) spectrum bands (24 GHz, 28 GHz, upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, 47 GHz, and 50 GHz) by making it easier to build earth stations. In response to a booming space and satellite industry, the Commission proposes to revamp UMFUS siting rules for earth stations, update its rules to encourage more intensive use of UMFUS spectrum, and investigate ways to make licensing more efficient. The FCC will seek comment on using voluntary commercial agreements to share bands more efficiently, updates to UMFUS protection criteria, changes to UMFUS-fixed satellite service (FSS) compliance standards, and other frameworks to potentially replace outdated rules.
