Anyone who has worked in the wireless policy arena knows that one of the toughest challenges is identifying and reallocating additional spectrum for new and exciting commercial wireless services. In this perpetual quest, there is a readily achievable option—2.69 to 2.9 GHz (the “2.7 GHz Band”)—that has garnered new attention and consideration, including recent action by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). In the big picture, this is 200 MHz of ideally located spectrum that could be converted to commercial use seemingly without much heartburn, while generating massive benefits for consumers, industry, and national security. Policymakers should enthusiastically embrace NTIA’s lead and expedite any necessary steps to clear the band.
Two major factors make 2.7 GHz a textbook case for prioritization. First, it is the location: the sub-3 GHz band is the sweet spot for key mobile commercial communications. If this were commercial real estate, the band would be Manhattan and Silicon Valley rolled into one. As NTIA has rightfully admitted, “The 2.7 GHz band offers an excellent combination of coverage and capacity—with signals capable of covering whole neighborhoods, including indoors—while also supporting the large, contiguous channels needed for next-generation, high-throughput applications.” Plus, neighboring bands already carry a large share of wireless mobile traffic today, making it likely that equipment manufacturers can reasonably and economically adapt existing equipment for 2.7 GHz. This proximity also means it will be cost-efficient for our nation’s leading wireless providers to deploy wireless network upgrades and/or builds. In the making of a perfect spectrum elixir, 2.7 GHz has all the ingredients.
Second, and perhaps even more important, the 2.7 GHz band has already been targeted for transformation. Congress specifically called out the band in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as one of three that Federal spectrum officials must explore in depth as a possible future anchor tenant in our commercial wireless portfolio, including 6G. That’s more than a hint; it’s a flashing neon sign screaming, “Look here.” Notably, the other two bands targeted by Congress are on completely separate timelines, meaning a 2.7 GHz reallocation can be executed whenever it's ready and isn't interdependent on the other reviews.
To be fair, the 2.7 GHz band is used today for some important government functions. Specifically, its primary uses are air traffic control radar and weather monitoring radar, including airport surveillance radar systems. Additionally, the Department of War has some equities in the band, although it is not among its highest priorities. Collectively, these systems can be sensitive to interference. So, any action here must continue the methodical and deliberate approach to repurposing the band already in place from the Act while still moving forward expeditiously.
Undeniably, the focus in this band should be on moving Federal occupants to other Federal bands or repacking the band to consolidate Federal users into a single, limited portion. This seems like a very viable option, since the lifecycle of applicable equipment and hardware for Federal services appears to be nearing its end. It could be one of those rare situations where agencies get modern equipment to move elsewhere or narrow their frequency reach — all without a reduction in mission capabilities.
For whatever reason, this band wasn’t high on Federal spectrum wonks’ watchlist during the last administration. The Trump Administration has appropriately changed course. Just two weeks ago, NTIA completed an important milestone after an extensive technical review by approving detailed relocation plans, including cost estimates, submitted by incumbent federal users and transmitting this notice to the Office of Management and Budget. This triggers a short review window for Congress and should lead to advanced engineering studies on the need to clear the band and release key relocation funding. Hallelujah should be in the air, but a celebration can only occur if it leads to a final and successful completion. No good can come from an endless loop of continual studies or ones with drawn-out conclusion dates. NTIA will need to remain extremely vigilant to ensure these studies are completed in a timely manner.
The benefits of reimagining 2.7 GHz for commercial use are both tangible and immeasurable. It will generate concrete revenue from the accompanying spectrum auction to award licenses in the band. In a world of annual budget deficits, these funds would be needed and welcome. More significantly, new commercial services will unlock a vast wealth of opportunities for enhanced wireless mobility, producing cascading benefits to consumers and our economy. For America’s national security, it would strengthen our wireless position in the international race towards 6G. And none of this will come at the expense of any other band.
Congress and the Trump Administration have directed regulators to quickly identify additional commercial spectrum for wireless providers, in a world where no more greenfield spectrum remains. We should take advantage of the 200 MHz at 2.7 GHz as a major solution to this problem. Following recent aggressive action, this can be executed quickly and smoothly for the benefit of everyone.
