3 GHz Band

ARRL Response to Amateur Access on 3.5 GHz Band

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The following is a chronology of ARRL efforts related to the FCC's proposal and decision that orders the “sunsetting” of the 3.3 – 3.5-GHz amateur radio secondary spectrum allocation. It is in descending chronological order, with the first actions at the bottom of the page and the latest presented first. It is comprised of items as reported by ARRL as well as ARRL comments and interactions filed with the FCC in response to the proposal.

Current status: Secondary operations are permitted to continue indefinitely in the remainder of the band, 3.3 – 3.45 GHz, pending future FCC proceedings.
While Amateur Radio access to the 3.3-3.5 GHz band is no longer codified in Part 97, per Footnote 103 (US103) to the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations (47 C.F.R. 2.106), Amateur Radio Secondary operations are permitted to continue indefinitely in the 3.3 - 3.45 GHz band pending future FCC proceedings.
The footnote reads: "In the band 3300-3550 MHz, non-Federal stations in the radiolocation service that were licensed (or licensed pursuant to applications accepted for filing) before February 22, 2019 may continue to operate on a secondary basis until 180 days after the issuance of the first flexible-use licenses in the 3.45 GHz Service. No new assignments shall be made. In the band 3300-3500 MHz, stations in the amateur service may continue to operate on a secondary basis until new flexible-use licenses are issued for operation in the band in which they operate. Amateur operations between 3450 MHz and 3500 MHz must cease within 90 days of the public notice announcing the close of the auction for the 3.45 GHz Service. Stations in the amateur service may continue to operate in the band 3300-3450 MHz on a secondary basis while the band’s future uses are finalized, but stations in the amateur service may be required to cease operations in the band 3300-3450 MHz at any time if the amateur service causes harmful interference to flexible-use operations."

Amateur Operation in 3.45 - 3.5 GHz Segment Must Cease by April 14, 2022
ARRL News | 1/18/2022
The FCC has established April 14, 2022, as the date by which amateur radio transmissions must stop in the upper 3.45 – 3.5 GHz segment of the amateur secondary 9-centimeter band. Secondary operations are permitted to continue indefinitely in the remainder of the band, 3.3 – 3.45 GHz, pending future FCC proceedings. *
On January 14 the FCC released DA 22-39, which announces the results of Auction 110 for the 3.45 – 3.55 GHz band. Release of this notice triggered FCC rules adopted last year requiring that amateur radio operations between 3.45 GHz and 3.5 GHz cease within 90 days of the public notice.

ARRL Continues Its Efforts to Preserve Amateur Radio Secondary Use of the 3 GHz Band
ARRL News | 10/7/2021

Putting Unused Spectrum to Work for Public Service, Education and Technology
Statement of Rick Roderick, ARRL President to U.S. House of Representatives, House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology | 10/6/2021

Amateur Radio Gets a Partial Reprieve on 3.5 GHz
ARRL News | 3/22/2021

ARRL Asks FCC to Allow 3.4-GHz Operation until Spectrum is Occupied
ARRL News | 11/26/2020