Enterprise Wireless Insider, Volume 12, Issue 8

EWA to File Comments on 4.9 GHz

On Friday, July 6, 2018, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) will file comments in response to the Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), in which the Federal Communications Commission adopted proposes to maintain primary public-safety use of the spectrum while requesting comment on “alternatives to stimulate the expanded use of and investment in the band.” In the NPRM, the Commission specifically asks about expanding eligibility to entities, such as critical information infrastructure (CII), as well as about leasing, spectrum-sharing approaches, alternative uses, and coordination procedures. 

In April, EWA met with staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, at their invitation, to discuss this proceeding. In that meeting, EWA noted the private enterprise need for licensed broadband and emphasized that expanding eligibility for this spectrum would promote equipment development and economies of scale for all users. Reply Comments are due August 6. (WP 07-100)

CTIA Seeks to Shut Door on Census-Tract PALs for 3.5 GHz

CTIA, on behalf of its major carrier members, is pressing hard for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) NOT to provide for any census tract Priority Access Licenses (PALs), but to auction seven 10-MHz PALs in the top 306 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and in counties outside those markets. In an attempt to justify this approach, CTIA claims that its proposals will keep the United States competitive in the international race for 5G supremacy, or at least equivalency. It also argues that those who want smaller geographic areas can acquire them by purchasing partitioned licenses in the secondary market, a concept that is belied by several decades of wireless after-market activity, or lack thereof. No FCC action on this item is scheduled for the July meeting. (GN 17-258)

Apple et al. Propose 6 GHz Incumbent Protections

While not waving a white flag, on June 13, the Apple, Google et al coalition filed a document with the FCC entitled “A 6 GHz FS and FSS-Incumbent Protection Approach,” which proposes limitations on both indoor and outdoor Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) device use, defines exclusion zones for each fixed link through a regularly updated, automates frequency coordination function, and defines remediation rules should interference nonetheless occur. No private enterprise users or organizations have weighed in yet on these proposals, but the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) submitted a letter saying that the proposals are an “excellent starting point” for a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. (GN 17-183)

Senate Commerce Committee Approves Starks Nomination

The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved the nomination of Geoffrey Starks, an FCC and Department of Justice veteran, to succeed Mignon Clyburn as FCC Commissioner. Starks currently serves as assistant chief of the FCC Enforcement Bureau. The nomination will now move to the full Senate where confirmation is expected.

FCC to Address Use of 3.7 to 4.2 GHz at July Meeting

At its open meeting, set for July 12, the FCC will consider, among other topics, an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would make mid-band spectrum in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band available for expanded flexible use, FCC speak for broadband applications. 

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., Eastern, in the Commission Meeting Room (Room TW-C305) of the Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC. Open meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.