Enterprise Wireless Insider, Volume 13, Issue 4

EWA Files Reply Comments on 6 GHz

On March 18, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance filed Reply Comments reiterating previous arguments that this band supports too many critical microwave links to allow sharing by unlicensed devices unless/until the FCC can provide verifiable analyses that the use of an automated frequency coordination (AFC) system will allow interference-free sharing. 

In addition to EWA’s comments, EWA Chairman David Reeves of P&R Communications Service also filed Reply Comments. P&R’s 6 GHz licenses provide network connectivity for their wide-area trunking system that provides voice and data services to over 3,000 subscribers, including school systems, private ambulance services and construction contractors. In addition to its subscribers, these systems are critical to P&R’s ability to service and maintain many public safety networks it manages.  In its comments, P&R urged the FCC to test the concept of the AFC system before proceeding. (ET 18-295/FCC 18-147)

900 MHz NPRM Released

• Seeks comment on alternate approaches to realigning the band;
• Proposes to license the broadband segment on a geographic basis; 
• Proposes to authorize a market-driven, voluntary exchange process that would allow existing licensees to agree voluntarily on a plan for relocating incumbents and transitioning the band for broadband use;
• Seeks comment on two other methods of transitioning the band to broadband use — an auction of overlay licenses and an incentive auction — as potential additional tools for repurposing this spectrum; and 
• Proposes to designate the 900 MHz broadband service as a Miscellaneous Wireless Communications service governed by the licensing and operating rules applicable to all Part 27 services.

800 MHz EB/GB Access Update

• The amended Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will govern the frequency coordination for this spectrum has been submitted to the FCC for review. Following FCC approval, it is anticipated that the FCC shortly thereafter will announce in a Public Notice the date on which frequency advisory committees (FACs) may share certified application information. The FCC will also announce the date on which the FACs may submit applications to the FCC. 
• EWA began accepting applications on January 23, 2019 and will continue to accept applications until the FCC announces details regarding the release of this spectrum. At that time, EWA will announce the closing of its filing window. EWA urges those seeking these channels to submit applications now.
• You may submit applications using Cevo®, EWA’s online application portal. Applicants may also seek EWA’s assistance in application preparation for which fees will be incurred. 
• Under the MOA, applicants are limited to 5 channels in any 70-mile radius. Applications may include up to six sites, and those sites can be within 70 miles of one another or separated by more than 70 miles, but each site will be treated as a separate application for purposes of the 5-channel limit. EWA will process the sites based on the order in the application and will process multiple applications from the same entity in order of receipt. Applications for simulcast systems that specify multiple sites within a 70-mile radius of the first site (L1) may be certified for the same 5 channels at all sites.
• Once its filing window closes, EWA’s application priority order for purposes of submitting certification requests to other FACs will be determined through a computer-generated round-robin randomization process. EWA then will evaluate all applications submitted, pre-coordinate the applications to identify potential instances of mutual exclusivity and inform applicants of their standing within EWA’s application queue.
• Please be aware that all duplicative applications that are submitted by a single applicant (same FRN) to multiple FACs will be dismissed and/or withdrawn. 

Webinar on Use of Cevo for 800 MHz EB/GB on March 28

To assist you in using Cevo to submit your applications, EWA has scheduled a webinar that will guide you through the process. Please register now for this webinar, which will take place March 28, 2019, at 2 p.m., Eastern. 

EWA Welcomes Tracey Petitt

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Tracey Petitt has joined EWA’s staff as Executive Assistant to CEO, Mark Crosby, and will provide administrative assistance to EWA’s senior management. Please join us in welcoming Tracey.

EWA at EDMSSA

Planning to attend the EDMSSA Spring Meeting this year? If so, make plans now to visit EWA when the conference comes to the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia. On Thursday Morning, hear Mark Crosby and Robin Cohen discuss the latest developments regarding business-affecting regulatory issues including T-Band planning, 6 GHz, 800 MHz Expansion and Guard Band, and 900 MHz broadband opportunities. Stop by EWA’s booth to meet EWA Spectrum Advisors who will be on hand to assist with questions regarding your next spectrum project. Register today!

U.S. Files Injunction to Prohibit Pirate Radio

The United States filed civil action to prevent an unlicensed radio station from operating in Worcester, Massachusetts. According to the complaint, Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church have been operating a radio broadcast station in Worcester, on frequency 97.1 MHz, without a license. Additionally, the complaint alleges that Oburoni and the Church previously operated an unlicensed radio station on frequency 102.3 MHz. Despite multiple warning from the FCC and a forfeiture order in the amount of $15,000 against Oburoni for repeated violation of the Communications Act of 1934, Oburoni began broadcasting again without a license on a different frequency.