WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission last week proposed earmarking a slew of spectrum bands for third-generation mobile-phone systems, while rejecting a petition to set aside some 3G-designated frequencies for mobile satellite service.
The FCC missed the Clinton administration’s Dec. 31 deadline for issuing the 3G proposal, despite internally agreeing Dec. 29 to launch the wireless initiative. The full text of the FCC proposal is expected to be released this week.
The Clinton 3G directive, prompted by fears of falling behind Europe and Asia in wireless development, calls for the FCC to issue 3G service and auction rules by the end of this year. The FCC, under the Clinton plan, would auction 3G spectrum in June 2002 and issue licenses three months later.
It is uncertain whether the incoming Bush administration will stick to the 3G timetable and the overall wireless policy approach of the Clinton White House. The 3G issue is on the radar screen of the Bush team. Donald Evans, campaign director for George W. Bush and the president-elect’s commerce secretary designate, said 3G and spectrum management will be priorities in the new administration.
“The proceeding will explore the types of advanced mobile and fixed communication services that will likely be provided in the future, including technical characteristics of such systems, and the spectrum requirements needed to support the introduction of such services, including the amount of spectrum needed and frequency bands that could be used by such systems,” said the FCC.
One estimate projects 160 megahertz of additional spectrum will be needed to fuel 3G in coming years. Whether that amount of spectrum is actually required for the mobile Internet’s fat pipe and whether frequencies can be secured for the wireless industry are unclear.
“CTIA is pleased the FCC continues to work within the accelerated schedule laid out by the executive memorandum in October and we look forward to working with the FCC and all the parties involved to ensure the U.S. remains on the cutting edge of 3G and wireless technology,” said Travis Larson, a spokesman for the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.
The Personal Communications Industry Association did not return a call for comment.
In addition to considering cellular, personal communications services and specialized mobile radio frequencies for 3G, the FCC proposed mobile and fixed use of the 1710 MHz-1755 MHz, 2110 MHz-2150 MHz and 2160 MHz-2165 MHz bands for next-generation wireless systems. Federal agencies, especially the Pentagon, rely heavily on the 1700 MHz band for wireless communications.
The FCC also is eying the 2500 MHz-2690 MHz band for 3G. WorldCom Inc. and Sprint Corp. have invested $1 billion each on the band for fixed broadband wireless Internet deployment. Educational and religious institutions are licensed in the 2500 MHz band as well.
“This [FCC proposal] is as expected and comports with WCA’s expectation and position, leaving all options on the table for more thorough review,” said Andrew Kreig, president of the Wireless Communications Association. WCA represents fixed wireless firms licensed by the FCC.
An initial study by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a Commerce Department unit that advises the president on telecom policy, found 3G-DoD spectrum sharing at 1700 MHz is possible under certain conditions. High-level advisers to Bush have strong Pentagon backgrounds, which could come into play if Defense Department officials conclude they can neither share nor relinquish spectrum needed for weapons and connectivity.
An FCC report said spectrum sharing between 3G mobile-phone operators and fixed wireless licensees appears doubtful.
Last spring, the World Radiocommunication Conference in Turkey designated the 1710 MHz-1885 MHz, 2500 MHz-2690 MHz and 698 MHz-960 MHz bands for global 3G wireless services. The latter band is occupied by TV broadcasters, who must leave the band in 2006 as part of the transition from analog to digital technology. However, with digital TV struggling to take hold, there are worries that broadcasters will not relinquish the spectrum by then.
The FCC rejected a petition by the Satellite Industry Association to reallocate the 2500-2520 MHz and 2670 MHz-2690 MHz bands for mobile satellite service.
