Why spend billions moving national security systems when cellular companies could just share?
AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile want more spectrum. The military is already using it. Guess who they think should move?
The nation’s largest cellular carriers are pushing Washington to clear hundreds of megahertz of spectrum in the 4 GHz band for their exclusive use. That could mean relocating military communications systems and other critical federal operations, potentially costing billions of dollars.
But new research highlights a much simpler option: Why not share?
Spectrum sharing isn’t new or untested. Thousands of commercial networks – from rural wireless providers to cutting-edge factories to major airports – are already delivering connectivity over more than 440,000 shared-spectrum base stations while protecting national security operations. Sophisticated coordination systems allow these commercial users to use spectrum without forcing federal agencies to abandon it.
Now, a new analysis from Valo Analytica finds that sharing could open 4 GHz spectrum to commercial innovation faster, with fewer disruptions and potentially billions in avoided relocation costs.
Yet the cellular industry continues to push for exclusive licenses – even as its leading executives continue to tell Wall Street that they have more than enough spectrum already.
The benefits of 4 GHz shouldn’t be limited to three national carriers. American manufacturers, utilities, hospitals, ports, and other innovators could also benefit from greater access to this valuable public resource.
American leadership in 6G means using the smartest technology available – not assuming that everyone else must get out of Big Cellular’s way.
Washington should carefully compare sharing with exclusive licensing before committing taxpayers to an expensive relocation effort.
The military protects America. Shouldn’t cellular companies be willing to share with it?
Sources: Valo Analytica, September 2026 analysis of 4 GHz spectrum sharing; CTIA, September 2026 4 GHz report; publicly reported 2025 carrier shareholder distributions.