LTE-U Needs Better Wi-Fi Coexistence Standards and Tests, Charter, Comcast, Google, Microsoft Say
Google, Microsoft and several cable, Wi-Fi and wireless networking industry representatives are pushing the FCC on creation of standards and tests to ensure Wi-Fi/LTE-U coexistence. "LTE-U has avoided the long-proven standards-setting process" and runs the risk of degrading Wi-Fi service,…
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they said in an ex parte filing posted Wednesday in docket 15-105, pointing to CableLabs and Google interference testing. Meanwhile, the LTE-U specification lacks sufficient interference safeguards because of its unconstrained duty cycling, lack of coordination among LTE-U carriers and its impairment to consumer network selection, they said. The solution is for LTE-U backers "to work through internationally recognized, open and transparent standards-setting organizations" to help set those standards and tests, they said. The filing recapped a meeting between FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and representatives of Arris, Bright House Networks, Broadcom, CableLabs, Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast, Google, Microsoft, Ruckus Wireless and Time Warner Cable. Broadcom, Google and Ruckus also signed a letter to the FCC last week urging the agency to adopt "straightforward rules of [LTE-U] device eligibility" (see 1510220028). Scott Bergmann, CTIA vice president-regulatory affairs, responded that the wireless industry also relies heavily on Wi-Fi and is "committed" to innovation in unlicensed spectrum. "We should all welcome technologies that will help address the continued increase in consumer demands for wireless broadband anytime, anywhere," he said. "As testing has repeatedly shown, LTE in the unlicensed bands coexists with Wi-Fi and will benefit consumers."