Spectrum Management 2002: A WTB Perspective

Barry J. Ohlson Chief, Policy Division Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Federal Communications Commission National Spectrum Managers Association Rosslyn, Virginia May 21, 2002

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Overview

• Items I am recused from: – Part 101 – 39 GHz – Full band, full arc • Items I can (and will) talk about: – 4.9 GHz – 800 MHz – 27 MHz (216-220 MHz, 1.4 GHz, 1.6 GHz, 2.3 GHz) – Some recent fixed wireless developments 2

4.9 GHz Allocation

• In February 2002, the FCC designated the 4940-4990 MHz band for use in support of public safety.

– Underlying allocation for fixed and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) services.

• Concurrently, an NPRM was released on license and service rules. – Seeks comment on scope of public safety designation.

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4.9 GHz Allocation (cont.)

• NPRM also seeks comment on: – Specific band segmentation and channel plans.

– Concept of Public Safety band manager.

– Interference impact from adjacent band U.S. Navy operations and adjacent radio astronomy.

– Possible commercial use of band to support public safety.

• Comments are due July 8 and reply comments are due August 7.

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800 MHz Public Safety Interference

• Best Practices Guide was printed in December 2000 in response to reports of interference.

– Group included Motorola, APCO, Nextel, CTIA, and PSWN.

– Interference has occurred even though all providers are operating within the parameters of their FCC licenses.

• Guide describes types of interference and provides information that may enable parties to reduce it.

• Subsequently, APCO formed Project 39 to collect additional data and refine procedures.

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800 MHz Interference (cont.)

• Interference reports continue to increase.

– Project 39 has collected information on cases in 24 states.

• Nextel submitted a white paper in November 2001.

– Would eliminate “interleaved” structure at 800 MHz – Would provide 10 MHz more spectrum to Public Safety at 800 MHz in exchange for spectrum at 2.1 GHz.

– Would require 800 MHz private wireless licensees to relocate to 700/900 MHz.

• NPRM adopted on March 14, 2002.

– Comments (over 200!) were filed on May 4.

– Reply Comments now due July 8 (extended deadline).

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Existing 800 MHz Land Mobile Radio Bandplan

806 MHz 809.75 MHz 700 MHz Public Safety General Category Mobile 816 MHz Interleaved 821 MHz 824 MHz Upper 200 SMR NPSPAC 851 MHz 854.75 MHz Base 861 MHz 866 MHz 869 MHz General Category Pool SMR Category Pool Public Safety, Industrial/Land Transportation & Business Pools

As of 1/9/02 7

800 MHz Interference (cont.)

• Tentatively concludes that harmful interference to PS communications must be remedied.

• Discusses various means of reconfiguring the 800 MHz band including proposals from Nextel and NAM.

• Requests information on amount of spectrum sufficient to meet PS needs.

• Discusses means of how to handle licensing and coordination if 800 MHz band is restructured.

• Considers receiver standards, stricter limits on emissions and more robust PS signals.

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Reallocated Spectrum

• On May 16, FCC adopted service rules for 27 MHz of spectrum reallocated to non government use.

– Represent seven separate spectrum blocks.

– Item supports flexible regulatory and licensing framework.

– FCC announced intention to initiate an NOI regarding the provision of spectrum-based service to rural areas.

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Reallocated Spectrum (cont.)

• 216-220 MHz: License secondary telemetry using frequency coordination.

• 1390-1392 MHz: Assign by 52 MEAs.

• 1392-1935/1432-1435 MHz: Assign by six EAGs.

• 1.4 GHz band: – 1427-129.5 MHz: Continue to license to WMTS on a primary basis.

– 1429.5-1432 MHz: License telemetry on a site by site basis.

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Reallocated Spectrum (cont.)

• 1670-1675 MHz: Assign on a single, nationwide basis.

• 2385-2390 MHz: Assign on a single, nationwide basis.

– Licensees must coordinate if operating near non Governmental aeronautical flight-test telemetry.

• R&O recognizes that several of the bands have incumbent Government operations.

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Fixed Wireless Developments

• MDS/ITFS services (2.1/2.5 GHz) now regulated by WTB / PSPWD.

– Will review MDS/ITFS rules to assess if the licensing can be managed more effectively.

• On May 16, FCC expanded eligibility for licenses in CARS to MVPDs including PCOs.

– Reserved opportunity to examine in other proceedings the flexible use of the CARS bands.

• Interest in 70/80 GHz and 90 GHz.

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