03/28/2018
In GN Docket No. 17-183, Apple et. al. filed (January 25, 2018) a study by RKF Engineering Services LLC purporting to show that widespread operation of unlicensed transmitters in the 6 GHz bands (5,925-7,125 MHz) is feasible with little risk of interference.
- The RKF study appeared to dangerously ignore the possibility of line-of-sight interference from full power unlicensed transmitters into the main beam of microwave receive antennas
- The Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition submitted an Ex Parte filing and technical study on March 13 to rebut RKF’s assumptions and results
- Microwave licensees that are concerned about potential interference from widespread or ubiquitous deployments of unlicensed transmitters in the 6 GHz bands should review these filings and make their views known to the FCC
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 became law on March 23, 2018.
- Incorporates RAY BAUM’s Act of 2018 that reauthorizes the FCC
- Directs the US Treasury to hold upfront auction payments, needed for the FCC to conduct spectrum auctions
- Incorporates the MOBILE NOW act
- Requires FCC and NTIA to identify 255 MHz of spectrum for fixed and mobile wireless broadband use
- At least 100 MHz below 8 GHz for unlicensed
- At least 100 MHz below 6 GHz for licensed commercial mobile use
- Requires NPRM to authorize mobile or fixed terrestrial usage of the 42-42.5 GHz band on a licensed or unlicensed basis
- Requires evaluation of sharing 3100-3550 MHz and 3700-4200 MHz by commercial wireless services
- Requires FCC and NTIA to identify 255 MHz of spectrum for fixed and mobile wireless broadband use
FCC adopted Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in Docket No. 07-100 on the 4.9 GHz band (4,940-4,990 MHz) at the March 22 meeting.
- FCC is concerned usage of the band has fallen short of its potential
- FCC seeks to promote more flexible and intensive use of this spectrum while preventing interference
- FNPRM proposes to:
- Allow manned aeronautical mobile and robotic uses in 4940-4945 MHz
- Require frequency coordination by Part 90 public safety coordinators
- Store information on 4.9 GHz band assignments in ULS
- Allow Regional Planning Committees to submit usage plans for their regions
- FNPRM asks if secondary commercial operations should be allowed or if some or all of the band should be converted to commercial uses
- Comments and replies: 60 and 90 days after Federal Register publication
Comments and replies were submitted in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), Docket No. 17-258 and the FCC is considering the issues:
- PAL license term
- Performance requirements
- Auction design
- Geographic license area size
- Emission limits
FCC received comments and replies in the Spectrum Frontiers (Above 24 GHz) docket (GN Docket No. 14-177) reflecting a variety of views on the numerous issues raised.