Ten entities have asked the FCC to provide an option for 5/5 MHz broadband networks in paired 896-901 MHz and 935-940 MHz spectrum (900 MHz band). The petitioners are Ameren Services Company; Anterix, Inc.; Enterprise Wireless Alliance; 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 FCC seeks public input on the petition.
The Commission realigned the 900 MHz band in May 2020 to make available 6 MHz of low-band spectrum for the development of critical wireless broadband technologies and services, while reserving the remaining 4 MHz for continued narrowband operations. The 900 MHz Report & Order created a 3/3 MHz broadband segment and adopted a transition mechanism based primarily on negotiations between prospective broadband licensees and existing narrowband incumbent licensees.
The Commission considered a 5/5 MHz broadband segment, but didn’t adopt it in 2020, recognizing the need for continued narrowband operations and to observe the interference environment in adjacent bands after broadband deployment.
The petitioners say the expanded 5/5 MHz broadband will support growing demand for wide-area, private, and secure wireless broadband networks for utilities, critical infrastructure, and business enterprise entities, among other benefits. They suggest that the Commission adopt a framework to authorize these networks by an initial application for a 5/5 MHz license or by expanding an existing 3/3 MHz license in the 900 MHz broadband segment upon a showing that all covered incumbents are cleared from the band.
Under the proposed plan, the petitioners assert that narrowband incumbents would remain protected under the existing framework in the rules and would only vacate an existing narrowband segment to allow 5/5 MHz broadband operations if the relevant parties made a private agreement to do so. They suggest no changes are necessary to the incumbent interference, technical, or performance requirement rules to implement 5/5 MHz broadband operations.
The FCC opened a docket for the public to file comments on the petition. Comments are due by May 2 to WT Docket No. 24-99 via the electronic comment filing system: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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