WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission, in actions designed to foster domestic and global competition, last week proposed allocating spectrum for fixed wireless access and approved a spectrum plan for broadband wireless local loop and other commercial services.
Under the FCC proposal, the 3650-3700 MHz band would be transferred from the federal government to the private sector to license on a primary basis for fixed wireless access and other services.
The FCC also voted to earmark spectrum at 36.0-51.4 GHz (V-band) for terrestrial and satellite broadband wireless services.
In addition, the commission streamlined equipment approval procedures for global mobile satellite products to increase speed to market and to reduce international trade barriers.
Specifically, the agency voted to allow accredited private entities in the United States-designated the FCC-to certify equipment; to implement Mutual Recognition Agreements that would allow the designation of parties in foreign countries to approve equipment as conforming to U.S. technical requirements and vise versa; and to provide interim approval to global communications satellite mobile terminals.
The United States has entered into MRAs with the European Community and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. The agreements enable telecom products to be tested and certified in the United States and then shipped directly overseas without having to be authorized in foreign countries. That will help U.S. wireless firms and their trading partners get products to global market faster.
The FCC said it agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding and Arrangement in February 1997 to facilitate the roaming of global satellite mobile terminals without being subject to tariffs or taxation.
