Enterprise Wireless Insider, Volume 12, Issue 7

3.5 GHz Decision Imminent

A decision from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the size and number of geographic areas in the 3.5 GHz band may be released soon. The IIot Coalition, comprised of the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), Edison Electric Institute, Utilities Technology Council, General Electric, pdvWireless, and others, unfortunately was unable to reach a compromise with CTIA and the Competitive Carriers Association regarding Priority Access Licenses (PALs). As a result, the band’s pending auction is likely to be organized in seven 10-MHz PALs in the top 306 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and in counties outside those markets. It is also anticipated that the FCC will auction two 10-MHz PALs by census tract with spectrum allocated from the unlicensed General Authorized Assess portion of the 3.5 GHz band. (GN 17-258)

Prove Concepts at 6 GHz

On June 1, EWA filed an ex parte letter in this proceeding cautioning the FCC that “theoretical sharing solutions must prove out in the real world before they are unleashed in bands such as 6 GHz that are heavily populated by systems with very limited interference tolerance.” It urged the FCC not to allow Spectrum-Access-System (SAS) management of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band until they have been tested in bands such as 3.5 GHz, or at least until experience has been gained with the much more modest roll out of the unlicensed Higher Ground system previously granted by waiver. EWA emphasized the critical nature of the microwave links in this band and the cascading effect that can occur based on interference to a single link. (GN 17-183)

EWA Issues Alert Regarding Channel 14 Transition

This week, EWA notified thousands of wireless sales and service providers of the FCC’s Channel 14 (470-476 MHz) “repacking” effort, forthcoming notices from consultants, and, their rights and responsibilities. TV Channel 14 is adjacent to numerous UHF land mobile licensees operating in the 460-469 MHz portion of the band which gives concern to potential interference. Last year’s incentive auction held by the FCC required further “repacking” of TV stations and an additional 21 Channel 14 allocations have been made, including in markets such as Orlando and Seattle. Broadcasters are responsible for taking whatever actions are needed to prevent interference to land mobile and for paying the associated costs. The intent of EWA’s notification is to assist with educating the land mobile industry of the repacking effort and encourages collaboration among the parties

FCC Attacks Noncompliant Set-top Boxes and AV on Drones … What About Radios?

Recently, the FCC has taken two separate actions against noncompliant equipment, signaling increased attention in this area. EWA hopes this focus will extend to the issue of noncompliant radio frequency devices, such as two-way radios, that the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) raised with the FCC Enforcement Bureau. The two recent actions were:

• On June 5, the FCC proposed a $2.8M fine against a company that continued to market uncertified audiovisual (AV) equipment for use on drones after warnings from the FCC. The FCC also said that the company failed to respond accurately and completely to FCC inquiries. The same day, the FCC issued and Enforcement Advisory to the public cautioning that users could be fined for operating this type of uncertified equipment. Because its members increasingly use drones for tower inspections and other business purposes, EWA sent an alert regarding the FCC’s action. (FCC 18-71; EA No. 2018-02)

• On May 25, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly wrote to the CEOs of Amazon and eBay asking them to help stop the marketing of illegal set-top boxes and those that falsely use FCC branding. Recognizing the similarity of the issue, the LMCC sent a letter to Commissioner O’Rielly seeking his support in the effort to curb the importation and marketing of uncertified land mobile radios. In its letter, the LMCC explained that it had met with the Enforcement Bureau on this subject and provided draft FCC Bulletin Alerts now awaiting their review.

800 MHz EB/GB Preparations

It may yet be a while before the FCC acts on a variety of associated regulatory matters, but on June 6, the frequency advisory committees (FACs) interested in conducting frequency coordination for Expansion/Guard Band 800 MHz spectrum gathered  to discuss potential amendments to the Memorandum of Agreement governing the application process. EWA was asked to prepare a list of technical issues critical to the management of the process. (WP 16-261) 

Another Database Admin for TV White Space

In an Order released June 11, the FCC named Nominet UK to be white-space database administrator. Part 15 of FCC rules “permits the operation of unlicensed intentional radiators on available channels in the broadcast television bands, the 600 MHz service band, the 600 MHz duplex gap, and in channel 37.” The database is used to help prevent interference to authorized users in those bands, including Private Land Mobile Radio Service and Commercial Mobile Radio Service operations.