Enterprise Wireless Insider, Volume 14, Issue 3

Power Boost for Unlicensed White-Space Devices

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for consideration at the February FCC meeting in which it proposes to increase the power and antenna height for fixed white-space devices. The NPRM recognizes that private land mobile radio (PLMR) T-Band systems are protected from interference from those unlicensed devices by a prohibition against their operation within a defined distance of the radius of T-Band markets and proposes to increase that distance to maintain the same level of protection. After being contacted by the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), technical experts indicated that the reviewed technical rules should not increase the opportunity for interference to T-Band incumbents 

Resolving CH 14 Interference

In early 2019, Alton Ellis, operations manager for BearCom in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, began dealing with interference resulting from the repacking of Channel 14 in Tulsa. Recently, he recounted the experience for EWA:

“This interference wiped out receivers that were within three miles of the site. This affected a College Police Department, Large metropolitan School District Police Department, f our Metro Trunking system channels, Refinery channel, and other Higher Learning Education Centers. The Engineering Group (representing Channel 14) was really not attempting to correct the issue. Also, none of these customers nor were we notified about this in the Tulsa Metro Area prior to the transmitter going on the air. We really appreciate the efforts and help EWA provided. Without EWA and their contacts, this would have not been corrected. One great advantage of being an EWA member! Thank you!”

If a TV broadcaster is assigned to Channel 14 in your market area as part of the repacking and you are notified, EWA encourages the land mobile radio (LMR) users to collaborate with the broadcaster or their surrogates and engineering firms, to ensure that the land mobile licensee is protected and does not experience any interference. According to FCC rules, the broadcaster is required to identify potential interference to LMR operations before construction and “must install filters and take other precautions necessary and submit evidence that no interference is being caused before it will be permitted to transmit programming on the new facilities” [73.687(e)(4)]. It is the responsibility of the TV broadcasters to correct the issue and protect existing LMR licensees. The TV broadcaster is responsible for any costs incurred to correct issues associated with interference mitigation – including those incurred by the LMR licensee. 

CBRS

In the Public Notice announcing the certification of Federated Wireless, Google and others as Spectrum Access System (SAS) Administrators, the FCC reminded grandfathered licensees in the 3.65-3.7 band that their protection ends on the later of April 17, 2020, or the end of their license term, after which they must comply with the general authorized access (GAA) rules and contact an SAS Administrator to discuss integrating their operations into the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). The FCC released the draft of its auction rules for the seven PAL licenses on February 7 in anticipation of the already announced June 25, 2020, auction start date. Those rules are on the FCC’s February 27 agenda.

On another matter on this subject, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for interference into the upper portion of the GAA spectrum from adjacent C-Band (3.7-4.2 MHz) terrestrial operations that are expected to be approved at the FCC’s February meeting. The FCC has invested in making both CBRS and C-Band successful allocations and will need to resolve this issue. It is noted however that there is 50 MHz separation between adjacent C-Band operations and future licensed CBRS operations. 

FAC/FCC Relationship

After a productive meeting on January 29, the Business/Industrial Land Transportation frequency coordinators have prepared and are implementing communication protocols that will enhance the working relationship between the coordinators and the FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) – with a goal of reducing application return notices. Those protocols include regular meetings with WTB, advance notice of changes in licensing policies, and mechanisms other than application returns to correct simple issues. It has been noted that the FCC has already sent several frequency coordinators questions regarding applications via email.

800 MHz Guard Band Waiver Request

By Public Notice on February 5, the WTB asked for comment for a waiver request from the company providing security, maintenance, and other services at the new stadium where the now Las Vegas Raiders are scheduled to begin playing in the Fall of 2020. The applicant has requested three Guard Band channels to add to its existing two 800 MHz channels. Because Las Vegas is within the buffer zone beyond the Mexican Border Region, this spectrum is not yet available. Comments are due on February 26 and Replies on March 10. 

Administrative Oversight? Nah!

On February 7, the WTB denied a waiver request from License Acquisitions, LLC (LA) to reinstate enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR) licenses the company had let lapse. In its denial, the FCC stated that LA’s failure to timely file renewals “because of administrative oversight and an unwillingness to work within the existing rules and procedures does not justify waiver of the Commission’s rules.” EWA had previously opposed the waiver request when it was submitted by LA.

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