{
  "node_id": "us-fcc-spectrum-frontiers-5g-order-2016",
  "title": "US FCC Spectrum Frontiers Order 2016 - mmWave 5G Spectrum Allocation, LMDS Band Expansion and Licensed Fixed Satellite Service Coordination",
  "domain": "Telecoms & Digital Infrastructure",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "last_updated": "2026-05-09",
  "bluf": "The FCC Spectrum Frontiers First Report and Order (FCC 16-89, released 14 July 2016) established the world's first regulatory framework for the commercial use of millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum for 5G wireless services, making available approximately 11 GHz of spectrum for flexible use and fixed use above 24 GHz; the Order created three new spectrum categories: licensed flexible-use spectrum in the 28 GHz (27.5-28.35 GHz), 37 GHz (37-38.6 GHz), 39 GHz (38.6-40 GHz), and 47 GHz (47.2-48.2 GHz) bands, which are available for 5G New Radio (NR) deployments under Part 30 rules; unlicensed operations in the 64-71 GHz band using Part 15 rules; and local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) band expansion; the Order establishes Part 30 (Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service - UMFUS) as the governing regulatory framework for licensed mmWave 5G spectrum; in 2019 and 2020 the FCC conducted Auction 101 (28 GHz), Auction 102 (24 GHz), and Auction 103 (37/39/47 GHz) selling approximately USD 7.5 billion in mmWave spectrum licences; licence terms are 10 years with renewal contingent on meeting construction/buildout requirements; interference protection mechanisms for fixed satellite service (FSS) earth stations operating in the same bands are specified through coordination zones and exclusion zones; the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) reviews are required for antenna deployments using mmWave spectrum.",
  "paywall": {
    "status": "LOCKED",
    "unlock_cost_usd": "0.01",
    "skyfire_id": "41779894-ece2-4163-9761-b3b1b76e19b0"
  },
  "crosswalks": {
    "_available_keys": [
      "related_frameworks",
      "industry_mapping",
      "eu_ai_act_relevance"
    ],
    "_note": "Full crosswalk values included in vault response"
  },
  "dependencies": [
    "us-fcc-broadband-consumer-labels-2024"
  ],
  "primary_citations_count": 5
}