Nextlink Wireless filed an updated FCC report saying the 32 GHz band can be used safely for 5G without harming radio astronomy service, earth exploration satellite service or space research service operations in the neighboring 31.3-31.8 GHz band. Reed Engineering developed the report. Nextlink said a T-Mobile study reached similar conclusion. The studies "provide concrete evidence that next-generation mobile wireless services can coexist with passive band services in the 31.3-31.8 GHz band,” Nextlink said in docket 14-177. The band is one of those explored in a July 2016 Further NPRM (see 1607140052). Commissioners are expected to take up an order allocating more high-frequency bands for 5G as early as their November meeting (see 1710100063).
Performing arts groups are asking the FCC to move forward on a rule change so smaller users can operate wireless microphones in TV white spaces spectrum. The FCC is looking at whether to expand the eligibility for Part 74 licenses to include professional wireless mic users that don't routinely use 50 or more mics (see 1710030020). “Professional performing arts organizations hold thousands of performances each year, and wireless microphones are essential to producing high-quality performances while mitigating significant public safety concerns,” The Cleveland Orchestra replied in docket 14-165. “Professional wireless capability, with successful interference protection, is essential to our sector.” The Houston Ballet said, even as a dance company, wireless mics and communications devices are needed for its productions. Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., said because of the prohibition of wireless mics in the 700 MHz band, it spent $60,000 replacing and retuning identical equipment in the 518-578 MHz band. “As a not-for-profit arts organization, Arena Stage was not only affected financially by this ban, but has been required to restructure artistically,” the group commented.
Partial economic area (PEA) or other larger license sizes would mean carriers are the only ones likely to buy priority access licenses (PALs) in the 3.5 GHz, Citizens Broadband Radio Service band, said Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Program at New America, in a meeting with an aide to Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. Commissioners are to consider an NPRM proposing larger license sizes and other changes to the citizens broadband radio service rules at their Oct. 24 meeting, with Democrats skeptical of changes (see 1710120009). The Los Angeles PEA covers the entire metropolitan area, includes Riverside County and extends to the Nevada border, Calabrese said in a filing in docket 17-258. “It would be far easier for carriers to assemble larger contiguous areas by acquiring census tracts than it would be for hundreds or thousands of other potential users noted above to either win a PEA or county license at auction,” Calabrese said. “Subleasing small areas of spectrum from a big mobile carrier, through a secondary market transaction, is unrealistic both because of high transaction costs and because carriers have a disincentive to allow competitors with or substitutes for their services to access spectrum at a reasonable price.” The Wireless ISP Association, meanwhile, said the FCC should keep the current rules in place. A plan backed by Commissioner Mike O’Rielly “and the mobile industry would overturn pro-innovation rules adopted unanimously by the FCC -- twice -- in 2014 and 2015,” WISPA said in a Monday statement. “Dozens of companies are already making significant investments in the CBRS band, counting on the current rules.” WISPA also urged the FCC to approve the Broadband Access Coalition’s proposal for the 3.7-4.2 GHz band (see 1706210044). “Under mobile industry pressure, the FCC is prioritizing a much broader and more time-consuming review of multiple spectrum bands, which would lead to years of regulatory delay and no near-term progress for rural America,” WISPA said.
Microsoft President Brad Smith spoke on the phone with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel asking for clarity on TV white spaces rules. “Mr. Smith noted the importance of preserving sufficient spectrum below 700 MHz for TV White Spaces operations, and at a minimum in the near term, asked for the quick resolution of the petitions for reconsideration,” said a filing in docket 16-56.
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) vetoed small-cells legislation that was opposed by local governments. Like bills in other states passed this year, SB-649 aimed to streamline 5G wireless infrastructure builds by pre-empting local jurisdiction. “There is something of real value in having a process that results in extending this innovative technology rapidly and efficiently,” Brown wrote in a Sunday veto message to the Senate. “Nevertheless, I believe that the interest which localities have in managing rights of way requires a more balanced solution than the one achieved in this bill.” The Wireless Infrastructure Association “is disappointed that Gov. Brown decided to veto this important piece of legislation, which would have spurred the widespread deployment of the wireless infrastructure that is needed to improve network capacity in the near term and provide a foundation for the deployment of 5G networks,” WIA President Jonathan Adelstein said. Local officials and others applauded. "Veto of this bill puts the telecom companies on notice that they have to sit down with local governments and address this issue fairly, and in a way that recognizes local government authority," said California State Association of Counties President Keith Carson. It’s unlikely the California legislature will override the veto, but Brown “is setting the stage for another attempt next year” and it’s a “safe bet that it’ll happen,” blogged Tellus Venture Associates President Steve Blum, who advises local governments on telecom issues. “Getting access to street light poles and traffic signals, among other things, and rolling back the ability of local governments to manage permits for wireless infrastructure is a top priority of telecoms lobbyists.”
FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly welcomed Chairman Ajit Pai's spectrum frontiers plan to issue an order by year's end, and a Pai aide warned of a "potential stumbling block" to 5G auctions. Both spoke to the Americas Spectrum Management Conference Friday. O'Rielly said the agency should auction licensed bands quickly or at least set a schedule. He said millimeter-wave spectrum "of greatest interest to manufacturers and providers" should be prioritized, with industry focused on the 24 and 42 GHz bands. "Considering these bands also makes sense due to the proximity" to already-allocated 28, 37 and 39 GHz bands where providers are conducting trials, he said in remarks. O'Rielly cited benefits of international spectrum harmonization and said the EU and China are among those studying the 24 and 42 GHz bands for 5G use. He said more work is needed on mid-band spectrum for next-generation technologies. He couldn't support proposals for fixed operations at 3.7-4.2 GHz, and labeled as "gibberish" criticisms that proposals to provide industry more certainty contained in a pending draft 3.5 GHz NPRM were "stale ideas." Those ideas ushered in auctions and modern networks that made the U.S. "the leader" in wireless, he said. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel Wednesday criticized the 3.5 GHz draft as offering "stale ideas" (see 1710120009). Citing unlicensed mid-band opportunities, O'Rielly said it's time to bring the 5.9 GHz proceeding to a close, and also consider whether dedicated short-range communications are needed. If DSRC isn't needed, the FCC could combine the 5.9 and 6 GHz bands to expand unlicensed operations. Surveying Pai's policies, his adviser Rachael Bender hailed "flexible" spectrum use and detailed FCC efforts in low, mid and high bands as part of his "all-of-the-above approach." She said a hurdle to the 5G push is that bidder upfront payments are required by law to be put in an FCC-designated "interest bearing account of a financial institution," but no private entities want to do that for spectrum auctions because of recent regulatory changes on collateralization and capitalization. "So the commission currently has no way to comply with the law or move forward with a large spectrum auction," she said, noting a legislative fix was included in a draft FCC Reauthorization Act cleared by the House Communications Subcommittee Thursday (see 1710110070).
Disney got continued permission from the FCC to test ultra-wideband mobile equipment at its Disneyland amusement park. The Office of Engineering and Technology OK'd temporary fixed and mobile operations at 3.1-5.3 GHz until March 18, as the company sought. Disney Imagineering R&D proposed proof-of-concept testing using up to 35 devices at temporary fixed locations and five mobile units to "assess the capability of ultra-wideband technologies to support radiolocation requirements needed at its premises in Anaheim, California," and not for market studies or providing commercial services. Although licensing authority wasn't needed for mobile operations, "experimental authority is required here to permit Disney to test an innovative deployment of such devices that involves their operation at temporary fixed sites," the company said. Representatives didn't comment further Friday.
Chairman Ajit Pai Chief of Staff Matthew Berry tweeted in support of T-Mobile’s agreement with Fox to speed the repacking of WWOR-TV Secaucus, New Jersey (see 1710100067). “T-Mobile agreement with FOX is good news,” Berry said Tuesday. “Quicker wireless deployment + less gov't money spent on repacking.” T-Mobile officials said they're looking for similar opportunities to clear spectrum faster.
The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology approved special temporary authority allowing Sunesys to test indoor small-cell prototype equipment in 3.5 GHz shared band in the Celebration, Florida, area. “Sunesys will deploy a small cell network, exclusively indoors, to test the end-to-end functionality of 3.5 GHz hardware,” said a filing Tuesday. “Testing will include access points, core network, and user devices.”
The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology gave Ruckus Wireless special temporary authority to demonstrate operations in the 3.5 GHz shared band, the focus of an FCC proceeding. The demo is to happen later this month inside a building in Denver, said the authorization.