The Enterprise Wireless Alliance along with others, filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC proposing to modify the FCC rules to enable a 5/5 MHz broadband solution for use within private wireless networks in the 896-901/935-940 MHz band. Other participants included: Ameren Services Company, Anterix, Inc., Evergy, Inc., Lower Colorado River Authority, Portland General Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern Communications Services, Inc., Utility Broadband Alliance, and Xcel Energy Services, Inc.
The petitioners say the proposed rule changes will support the demand for wide-area, private, and secure wireless broadband networks for business enterprise entities, which includes critical infrastructure, creating an option for additional capacity in the future to support their delivery of critical services to the American Public. EWA President Robin Cohen stated, “The fundamental principle of the proposed rules is that the process is entirely voluntary for narrowband incumbents, and they would continue to receive protection rights while this private broadband opportunity is initiated.”
The proposed changes to implement the 5/5 MHz broadband opportunity include:
- A 5/5 MHz authorization for the Expanded 900 MHz Broadband Segment would be available upon initial application or as an application to expand a 3/3 MHz license in the 900 MHz broadband segment.
- All incumbent relocations from the 900 MHz narrowband segments would be entirely voluntary; the mandatory relocation provisions would not apply to incumbent frequencies outside the current 3/3 900 MHz broadband segment. Incumbent interference protection rules would remain the same.
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