FCC boosts wireless backhaul capabilities

The Federal Communications Commission approved the use of small antennas by 11 GHz fixed licensees, a ruling that could indirectly help 3G and wireless broadband operators via lower and more competitive wireless backhaul offerings.
The FCC’s action was in response to a petition field by FiberTower Inc., a wireless backhaul company. The agency said it expects 11 GHz microwave firms to carefully coordinate with feeder-link operations of mobile satellite service gateway earth stations in the same band to avoid harmful interference.
“Our actions . should make it easier for the last-mile delivery of wireless broadband services to buildings that may currently be difficult or expensive to reach with antennas allowed under our prior rules. I am also pleased that the item endorses principles to address aggregate interference concerns in a manner that protects incumbent licensees while not disrupting the use and expansion of terrestrial microwave services in the band,” said FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein. “Technology in the wireless space moves too fast to be delayed by an unnecessarily long deliberation at the FCC. I am happy to support this item that moves our wireless broadband efforts forward.”
FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell said the decision helps put wireless backhaul providers-new and established-on an equal footing with landline telephone companies in the backhaul market.
“This is especially important as the consumer acceptance of 3G and 4G high-speed data services increases the need for backhaul,” McDowell stated.
Elsewhere, the FCC today was expected to vote to require wireless carriers to meet enhanced 911 location accuracy and reliability standards in the service areas of public-safety answering points rather than by state-level averaging. In addition, the commission is on track to revise guidelines governing the 800 MHz re-banding process involving Sprint Nextel Corp. and public-safety agencies around the country. The actions are temporarily on hold because the start of the FCC meeting was delayed.