The FCC will vote at its May 10 meeting on a proposal to allow more efficient and effective use of the 2.5 GHz band. Pai said he’s proposing to provide greater flexibility to current EBS licensees to freely use and transfer their spectrum. “We would consider new opportunities for educational entities and Tribal Nations to gain access to this spectrum on a first-come, first-serve basis in places where they have a local presence and can best serve their communities,” he added. “And we would open up the remaining 2.5 GHz spectrum for auction to anyone, including commercial entities, on a flexible-use basis.”
There have been efforts underway for more than a year now to get the FCC to, at a minimum, put out a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to release more 2.5 GHz spectrum for licensing. In 2014, some of the major players, including the Wireless Communications Association, the National EBS Association and the Catholic Television Network, got together and submitted a proposal on how to license the spectrum.
The proposal may be viewed here.