Several industry associations, such as NTCA and WIA, backed the FCC’s changes to its Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) rules in the 3.5 GHz band. But not everyone is pleased.
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, called the Report and Order, “a balanced approach making such spectrum available for effective commercial use.” She said it followed, “robust discussion and engagement with providers of all sizes” and NTCA members are looking forward “to the opportunity to obtain this valuable spectrum to complement and enhance the broadband services they already offer.”
Wireless Infrastructure Association VP Government Affairs Zac Champ said the action “to establish an efficient licensing process will prove key to the successful and expeditious deployment of service in the 3.5 GHz band. The FCC has provided critical incentives for innovation as the wireless industry deploys 5G services.”
But the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) was disappointed the FCC vote set aside what it considers “the widely supported, pro-rural, pro-innovation rules” in the CBRS band and adopted an approach the association believes will slow rural broadband network deployment. WISPA President Claude Aiken thanked the Commissioners for discussing the issue, and commended the agency for rejecting even larger Partial Economic Area-type licenses. “However, the new combination of county-sized licenses, package bidding, long license terms, and renewal expectancy will shut out a significant portion of our members from using licensed CBRS spectrum to bring affordable, reliable broadband services to under-served rural areas.”
“This is a bitter pill to swallow, especially at a time when 24 million Americans lack robust fixed broadband service, and when small, local fixed wireless operators often offer the only business model that can reach them in a sustainable way,” Aiken said. “Many of our members have made significant investments in the CBRS band and were poised to reach millions more consumers who are within reach of their towers today. Now they will have to review their business plans in a significantly changed business and regulatory environment.”
“The ‘race to 5G’ must not become an excuse for one 5G use case – mobile wireless – to get all of the advantages,” Aiken said.
October 24, 2018
