With consumer demand for mobile services continuing to grow, the Federal Communications Commission is looking to free up additional spectrum assets that would allow mobile operators to meet the demand. The latest move involved a recent notice of inquiry by the FCC to look at the possible use of spectrum assets above the 24 GHz band for mobile services.
Current mobile broadband services rely on spectrum below the 3 GHz band, with a few exceptions in the case of some Wi-Fi standards that take advantage of the 5 GHz band. The main benefit of lower spectrum bands are superior propagation characteristics that allow for coverage of a broad area using a single piece of equipment. However, the FCC noted that recent testing conducted by universities and equipment vendors has found the possibility of using higher spectrum bands, also referred to as millimeter wave bands, to support mobile data services.
In its notice, the FCC has opened discussions seeking input on the use of those higher spectrum bands to support commercial services, including the potential to support so-called “5G” services. That requested input includes comment on advanced antenna technology needed to support services; how the use of millimeter wave spectrum can be folded into current cellular operations; what mobile technology would be compatible with spectrum assets available above 24 GHz; and expected coverage and performance could be provided by use of those spectrum assets.
“At this stage of the process, we should all be open to possibility,” noted FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in a statement. “I expect all stakeholders to take a fresh look and a fresh approach: one focused on solutions to the benefit of the American people, and not just parochial interests. Those parties that engage in a productive manner will ensure they are part of this conversation, and other solution-driven conversations. To those who may not be comfortable with expanding our horizons in this way, I challenge you not to say ‘no’ even before we start down this road. Be a part of the community that makes this happen, the community that says ‘yes’ to new frontiers of spectrum use.”
The FCC is currently set to conduct a spectrum auction of licenses in the 1.7/2.1 GHz band for commercial use, as well as an incentive auction that is to include spectrum in the 600 MHz band. The FCC is also looking at tapping into 150 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.5-3.65 GHz band to support licensed and unlicensed use.
–Mobile operators quickly got behind the FCC’s recent adoption of an order designed to ease and promote the deployment of infrastructure equipment. The order includes work on reducing the current “shot clock” used to decide on site modifications from 90 days to 60 days; excluding certain distributed antenna systems, small cells and other discrete wireless facilities from environmental and historic preservation review; and removing barriers to the deployment of temporary towers to boost coverage for large gatherings like festivals and rallies.
“[This] order is an important and welcome step by the FCC to ensure consumers have access to great mobile services and helps ensure that the U.S. maintains its global leadership in mobile broadband deployment,” said Kathleen Grillo, SVP of federal regulatory affairs at Verizon Communications. “This order streamlines the regulatory process and speeds deployment for new, innovative wireless network facilities. Such policies, paired with upcoming auctions that will bring new spectrum resources to market, are great news for consumers and broadband innovators looking to deploy new wireless equipment and services.”
“The FCC order … will expedite the deployment of new and modified wireless facilities, and it provides clarification of certain federal statutes that were enacted to streamline state and local review of wireless infrastructure deployments,” added Bob Quinn, SVP of federal regulatory and chief privacy officer at AT&T. “The regulatory relief gained from this order will directly benefit consumers as wireless carriers increasingly rely on a combination of macro sites, distributed antenna systems and small cell deployments to improve service. The commission’s action is another important step helping accelerate broadband deployment and we look forward to working with the commission as well as state, tribal and local authorities on additional improvements.”
“The new rules issued today by the FCC will increase and expedite mobile broadband infrastructure deployment by modernizing tower siting rules and alleviating unnecessary regulatory impediments,” said Kathleen Ham, VP of regulatory affairs at T-Mobile US. “T-Mobile applauds Chairman Wheeler’s leadership in continuing to build the American mobile economy.”
–The FCC this week named Jean Kiddoo as deputy bureau chief of its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau where she will serve under current wireless bureau chief Roger Sherman. Kiddoo previously served as a partner in Bingham McCutchen’s Telecommunications, Media and Technology practice in Washington, D.C.
“Jean’s diverse experience will greatly enhance the bureau, and I look forward to calling upon her expertise on many of the exciting and complex matters that are before us,” said Sherman. “Implementing upcoming spectrum auctions and improving our technology, systems, and internal processes are top priorities that demand creative and practical solutions. Jean’s industry knowledge and background will be great assets as we move forward on these projects.”
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