4.8 GHz to 4.9 GHz frequency band uses & Verizon Wireless experimental license for testing ISAC with Ericsson
Introduction:
The 4.8 GHz to 4.9 GHz frequency band is a critical slice of mid-band spectrum located within the larger IEEE C-band (4.0 to 8.0 GHz) and the ITU Ultra High Frequency (UHF)/Super High Frequency (SHF) boundary. It is currently used primarily for public safety operations (especially the 4.9 GHz portion allocated to FirstNet for drone control and crisis response) and select 5G deployments (part of 3GPP 5G NR Sub-6 GHz Band n79 in parts of Asia). It is extensively deployed for commercial 5G networks across Asia (such as China and Japan) and Europe, while in the United States, it is being studied for repurposing and testing advanced 5G/6G integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Finally, it is actively being studied for future 5G-Advanced and 6G mobile broadband and sensing use cases.
Executive Summary:
| Region / Country | 5G Spectrum Range | Mid-Band Status |
|---|---|---|
| China | 4.8 GHz – 4.9 GHz (and 3.3–3.6 GHz) | Actively deployed for 5G NR Band n79 |
| Japan | 3.6–4.1 GHz & 4.5–4.9 GHz | Allocated to major carriers (e.g., NTT Docomo) |
| United States | 4.4 GHz – 4.94 GHz | Historically Federal/Military; currently under review for commercial 5G/6G |
- Favorable Propagation: It provides a strong balance between coverage area and high data throughput (bandwidth). [1]
- Capacity: This frequency handles heavy data loads—like high-definition real-time video streaming—much better than lower bands (like 700 MHz). [1]
- Indoor Penetration: It experiences higher atmospheric and structural attenuation compared to 2.4 GHz or 3.5 GHz, meaning it requires denser small-cell deployments for deep indoor coverage
Verizon’s Experimental License for the 4.8GHz-4.9GHz Band:
Verizon Wireless (under the company name Cellco Partnership) has applied to the FCC for an experimental license to use the 4.8GHz-4.9GHz band in and around its lab in Los Angeles, California. Verizon Wireless’s request is temporary, expiring one year from grant. The application is pending approval, but the license is expected to be granted soon, according to Steve Crowley.
Verizon said, “this experimental authorization is necessary to test Ericsson software and hardware in a noncommercial environment. Verizon Wireless requests this authorization to demonstrate 5G advanced technology use cases such as object sensing as a precursor to 6G Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). This work will facilitate the adoption of use cases across commercial, public safety, and defense sectors.”
Grant of the experimental authorization will allow Verizon Wireless to set up hardware radiating in 4.8-4.9 GHz as part of a private network not connected to commercial operators. The radios are certified for use under 47 C.F.R. Part 27 and Part 96. The testing will be conducted using varying bandwidths to allow for range, resolution, and confidence assessments. Testing will occur outdoors and all transmissions will be controlled at the locations provided in the application. The fixed base stations will employ directional antennas and will have a maximum antenna elevation as described in the application. The base station antenna has a half-power beam width of approximately 24º vertically and 65º horizontally.
Verizon Wireless is unable to determine the incumbent users in the 4.8-4.9 GHz band. Verizon Wireless will coordinate with the incumbents once the FCC and NTIA have provided the agencies impacted, and prior to commencing testing, to avoid any potential disruptions to their operations. If incumbent licensees experience interference, Verizon Wireless will cease interfering operations.
Verizon is one of the first companies to apply for a test license in 4.4GHz specifically for 6G-related trials, according to Crowley. He noted it is also first time the carrier has requested a test license in any of the frequencies under study, which include 1.6GHz, 2.7GHz, 4.4GHz and 7GHz.
Other Entities Pursuing the 4GHz Band:
Samsung Research America requested an experimental license this month to use 4720MHz-4820MHz in Plano, Texas, but its application did not specify use cases to be tested.
The 4.8GHz-4.9GHz spectrum falls within the so-called 4.4GHz band (4400MHz-4940MHz) that the NTIA has identified for study to repurpose for commercial licensed use as part of the U.S. plan to make more frequencies available for 5G and 6G.
The CTIA refers to the band as 4GHz, rather than 4.4GHz. The group published a report this week to make an economic and technical case for the “prime midband spectrum” and urged policymakers to move quickly on studies this fall. They described 4GHz as the “a cornerstone” of the US spectrum pipeline, along with upper C-band, 2.7GHz and 7GHz, because it offers potential 400MHz of bandwidth and already has some equipment and device support. Further, it is a “compelling alternative” to China’s push for licensed use of the 6GHz band in spectrum negotiations at ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (ITU WRC-27).
Will It Be Used for 6G?
- International Consideration: The ITU-R and organizations like Nokia are studying the 4.4–4.8 GHz and neighboring ranges as potential mid-band spectrum for future IMT-2030 (6G) services. There are several ongoing compatibility studies in ITU-R WP 5d between terrestrial, maritime and satellite use of this band. They are in preparation for ITU WRC-27 which will specify IMT 2030 (6G) frequencies.
- Industry Support: Industry groups like the CTIA advocate for the broader 4 GHz mid-band range as a prime, lower-risk spectrum for wide-area mobile capacity to bridge 5G-Advanced and early 6G rollouts.
- Global Hurdles: Formal decisions regarding international mobile allocation for this band will be evaluated globally at the ITU-R World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), though support varies by region due to existing incumbent and defense users.
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Verizon added nine new members to its 6G Innovation Forum this week and signaled intent to test more use cases in the areas of ISAC, digital twins, robotics, AI and wearables. The new members are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, Intel, Keysight Technologies, MediaTek, Nvidia, Palo Alto Networks, Rohde & Schwarz and Viavi Solutions. They join founding members Ericsson, Samsung, Nokia, Meta and Qualcomm Technologies.
References:
https://x.com/StevenJCrowley/status/2097450891444142433
https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=412698&x=
https://www.lightreading.com/6g/verizon-seeks-fcc-approval-to-test-6g-use-cases-in-4ghz
https://urgentcomm.com/network-tech/an-introduction-to-4-9-ghz
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