Table 3 Overview of allocation and usage of upper mid-band spectrum in 7–24 GHz
Frequency range | Primary usage | Current global allocation |
|---|---|---|
7.125-8.4 GHz | Under study for IMT (5G/6G)24 | WRC-27 Agenda Item 1.7 for mobile broadband. Currently used for FSS and FS. |
8.4-9.3 GHz | EESS and military radar (X-band) | Widely used for space science and defense |
10-10.5 GHz (3-cm band) | Radiolocation service, IMT (under study) | Some interest in mobile broadband (6G), amateur radio and satellite use on secondary basis. |
12.2-12.7 GHz | Fixed Service (FS), Broadcasting Satellite Service | FCC considering expanding flexible use |
12.7-13.25 GHz | Currently limited federal use by NASA | FCC considering for mobile broadband or expanded use |
14-14.5 GHz | Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) uplinks | GEO and LEO communications (e.g., Starlink uplink) |
17.3-17.8 GHz | Broadcasting-Satellite Service (BSS) | FCC allows non-geostationary FSS (Space-to-Earth) operations |
18.1-20.2 GHz | FSS | High-throughput satellites (HTS) and broadband satellites,18.1–18.6 GHz under study by NTIA and NASA (Strategic Objective 1.2)24 |
24 GHz | 5G cellular | 5G NR (n258, n259, n260 bands) |
