FCC Finalizes Rules for Shared Use of Lower 37 GHz Band

On June 12, 2025, the FCC adopted new rules for the Lower 37 GHz band (37.0–37.6 GHz), making 600 MHz of high-frequency spectrum available on a shared, co-primary basis for both Federal and non-Federal use. The framework, developed in coordination with NTIA and the Department of Defense, is intended to support a range of fixed and mobile wireless applications.

Summary

• Two-Phase Coordination:

  
  

  • Phase One: Applicants generate an interference contour based on technical parameters and check for overlap with existing sites.

  • Phase Two: If overlap exists, operators must negotiate directly to resolve potential interference.

    
    

• Military Priority: The 37.0–37.2 GHz segment gives priority access to military operations. Non-Federal users can operate in this sub-band but must cease or modify operations if interference with future military use occurs.

  
  

• Buildout Requirements:

  
  

  • Initial registrations must be deployed within 120 days.

  • Registrations after the initial window must be built within 12 months.

  • Failure to build results in loss of interference protection and a 12-month restriction on reapplying at the same site.

    
    

• Technical Standards: A −110 dBm/100 MHz power spectral density threshold is adopted for defining interference contours. Existing out-of-band emission limits remain in effect.

  
  

• No Secondary Markets: Rules for leasing, partitioning, or disaggregation are not adopted due to the non-exclusive, site-based licensing model.

  
  

• Next Steps: FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) will issue further public notices outlining the application process, registration procedures, and coordination tools in collaboration with NTIA.

  
  

This rulemaking is part of the FCC’s broader efforts to expand access to millimeter wave spectrum while accommodating Federal spectrum requirements.

View original publication here.

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