EWA Files Petition Seeking “Green Space” for T-Band and 900 MHz Transitions
The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) has filed a Petition for Rulemaking (Petition) requesting that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designate the 800 MHz Guard Band spectrum as “green space” for incumbent Business/Industrial and Land Transportation (B/ILT) licensees who may be required to vacate T-Band spectrum; and for certain 900 MHz incumbents whose narrowband systems may need to be moved to replacement frequencies as part of a transition to create a 900 MHz broadband opportunity. As stated in the Petition, “[s]tatutory and regulatory mandates. . . may require incumbents in these bands to be relocated to comparable facilities.” Through this Petition, EWA seeks to provide meaningful and realistic spectrum solutions that will allow licensees to be relocated to comparable spectrum. Read more.
Category: EWA On Your Side
800 MHz EB/GB Access at Risk
The opportunity to arrive at a consensus among the Business/Industrial and Public Safety frequency advisory committees (FACs) on how best to process 800 MHz Expansion/Guard Band (EB/GB) applications that avoid mutual exclusivity remains elusive after one year of effort. Last week, during a meeting with a majority of the certified FACs in attendance, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) staff informed the FACs that Commission leadership, those who sit on its 8th Floor, had rejected the round-robin application approach because it was believed that it would prejudice FACs with a greater number of applications to process and possibly cause customers to move their applications to another FAC. Read more [link to press release at EWA site]
Category: EWA On Your Side
T-Band License Renewals Placed in Pending Status
EWA has learned that the FCC, as it contemplates next steps for the future of T-Band (470-512 MHz) spectrum in response to Congress’ mandated repurposing of the band, has come to the conclusion that it cannot issue customary ten-year license renewals given that the band may be off limits for public safety and Business/Industrial licenses well before the next renewal date. As such, T-Band licensees submitting renewal applications are advised that the FCC will not be processing T-Band license renewal applications in the interim and that all such renewal applications will be placed in a pending status. Affected T-Band licensees are also advised that as long as their applications are timely filed and remain pending at the Commission, operations may continue in full compliance with FCC rules. There may be alternative ways to better accommodate the administrative necessities of issuing license renewals against the prospects of terminating incumbent operations other than holding all renewal applications in abeyance, and EWA will keep T-Band licensees informed of any new developments.
Category: EWA On Your SideEWA Seeks to Address PLMR Needs Through IIot Coalition
EWA continues to work collaboratively with the IIoT Coalition (Industrial Internet of Things) on strategies to address the spectrum needs of the private land mobile radio (PLMR) community. Last week, IIoT Coalition representatives met with staff of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), including those working on the National Spectrum Strategy which guides spectrum policy for the United States. During the meeting, NTIA expressed support for the Coalition’s efforts to identify appropriate spectrum, potentially including Federal spectrum, and for policies that would allow non-consumer-oriented applicants to meet their communications requirements, including through auctions and spectrum partitioning/disaggregation. The Coalition intends to continue its efforts with NTIA and other agencies to promote these initiatives.
Category: EWA On Your Side
EWA President Named to 2019 Spectrum Advisory Committee
Mark Crosby has been appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to serve on the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC). The committee of 30 experts advises the federal government on a range of spectrum policy and technical issues. More information and a full listing of the CSMAC members is available online.
Category: In the news
EWA Webinar on 900 MHz NPRM
The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on 900 MHz, which proposes to reconfigure the band to facilitate the use of wireless broadband by a variety of businesses while reserving spectrum for continued narrowband operations. During this webinar, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance will provide an overview of the NPRM and answer questions about the proposed rule changes. Register now to attend.
Category: In the news
Recent Enforcement Actions, April 24, 2019
- Nathan and Amber Redman for operating an unlicensed FM station of in Waldo, Ohio.
- All in One Investment Group LLC for operating an unlicensed FM station in Hallandale Beach, Florida.