The U.S. Department of Defense has reversed its original position regarding the 1755-1780MHz spectrum block, and now says it can relocate out of that band with little or no impact on DoD operations.
The Defense Department had previously voiced concerns that it couldn’t easily move to another spectrum block without causing problems. The change means that the Federal Communications Commission will eventually be able to auction the 1755-1780MHz block for commercial use.
According to the Wall Street Journal, it will cost the DoD about $3.5 billion to relocate, and for the moment it thinks it can consolidate its operations in the 1780-1850MHz band, which it already uses, as well as the 2025-2110MHz band, which is used by some television broadcasters. The DoD did not say how soon it would be able to leave the 1755-1780MHz block.
Air combat training and drone training would be impacted by the spectrum change. The FCC has long been interested in the 1755-1780MHz block. As recently as last week, U.S. representatives introduced legislation that would require the 1755-1780MHz block be included in the next FCC auction.
