Industry, Public Interest Groups Seek FCC NPRM on 12 GHz
Stakeholders seek an FCC NPRM on the future of the 12 GHz band, in a filing posted Monday in RM-11768. Signing were the Competitive Carriers Association, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Incompas, Public Knowledge and Open Technology Institute at New…
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America. Industry officials said a December NPRM is possible. At most, launch a notice of inquiry, OneWeb asked in calls with aides to Carr and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. The FCC didn't comment. Some have “expressed concerns about whether sharing in the 12 GHz Band is possible” (see 2010260023), the groups said. “These are precisely some of the questions that need to be reviewed in the context of an NPRM -- one that can be crafted in a neutral manner to ask all the pertinent questions concerning the operation of terrestrial 5G service in the 12 GHz Band.” The 12.2-12.7 GHz portion of the band is “5G ready,” the letter said. This coalition “has a long record of supporting competition and innovation,” emailed Angie Kronenberg, Incompas general counsel: “The FCC should take a neutral approach to the NPRM as it considers the availability of 500 megahertz of spectrum in the 12 GHz band. From INCOMPAS’ perspective, this is absolutely needed so that the FCC can fully consider the issues and enable more spectrum that can be used to promote more competition for 5G service.” PK spoke last week with aides to Commissioners Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks. “The request for rulemaking is not intended to undermine protections for incumbent satellite uses, including satellite broadband use, but is instead meant to build a record on whether it is feasible to adopt a sharing framework that could expand the availability of spectrum for both fixed and mobile broadband deployments, to expand more flexible and intensive terrestrial use of the band,” the group said. “Given the persistent need for more spectrum, the commission should look at all opportunities to maximize spectrum use,” said CCA President Steve Berry. "The 12 GHz band, which lacks existing government interests, could present a potential opportunity, and CCA encourages the FCC to take a fresh look to see if this spectrum band can support wireless services. ... Opening a proceeding creates an opportunity for all to put evidence on the record so that the FCC can make an informed decision.”