[STDS-802-11-REG] FCC Unlicensed TV band and Wireless Mic Proceedings

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Unlicensed and Wireless Mic Proceedings

Part 15 FCC 14-144 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-14-144A1.pdf

Wireless Mic FCC 14-145 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-14-145A1.pdf

The FCC staff made separate but coordinated presentations on two NPRMs addressing the impact of the reconfigured 600 MHz band on 1) unlicensed devices (that is, Part 15 or TV White Space) and 2) wireless microphones.

The Part 15 presentation covered future unlicensed use of the television bands, 600 MHz Band guard bands and channel 37. Following the incentive auction, with the repacking of the television band, there will be fewer UHF frequencies available for unlicensed white space devices and wireless microphones. The proposed changes and new rules for unlicensed devices are intended to allow more robust and spectrally efficient unlicensed operations without increasing the risk of harmful interference to other users. As a follow up to the Incentive Auction Report & Order, the NPRM also proposes rules to permit operations in the guard bands and channel 37, while protecting authorized licensed services from harmful interference. The FCC press release is available here: DOC-329669A1.pdf.

The Wireless Microphone presentation noted that the Incentive Auction will significantly alter the spectrum environment for wireless microphones leading to changes in spectrum bands and devices. The NPRM seeks comment on licensed and unlicensed wireless microphone needs; the potential for different technologies, including digital technology, in current bands and additional bands so long as such use is consistent with long-term spectrum management goals and does not create likelihood of moving again. The FCC press release is available here: DOC-329666A1.pdf

Commissioner Clyburn. There are three simple but important aspects to this proceeding: all the incumbent users in the 600 MHz band are important; they all need to learn to live together with less spectrum; and that the engineers, not the lawyers, should determine the appropriate rules.

Commissioner Rosenworcel. 30 years ago, the FCC made changes to so called “garbage bands” that paved the way for Wi-Fi. Today we face the same questions for the next generation of unlicensed, while wireless medical telemetry, radio astronomy, wireless microphones and low power TV stations all deserve attention. Engineers can find ways to make it work.

Commissioner Pai (approving in part and concurring in part). The Incentive Auction Report & Order already decided that the incumbents and unlicensed services would be required to share before analyzing the issues of whether sharing was feasible. The NPRMs now ask the right questions. While supportive of expanded unlicensed use, allowing unlicensed use in the guard bands could impair the value of the adjoining licensed spectrum and thus could undermine the goal that all spectrum blocks in the forward auction be generic and fungible. There are two guideposts: respect for the laws of physics; and faithfulness to the statute, which does not permit unlicensed use of guard bands that would cause harmful interference to a licensed service. The wireless microphone NPRM proposed a wide range of long-term homes. Pleased with the objective to issue an Order in the proceeding before the commencement of the Incentive Auction.

Commissioner O’Rielly. There are no easy answers to sharing, but the NPRMs are drafted in an open way to solicit comment. There is great potential value in allowing mobile unlicensed use in Channel 37 (currently used exclusively by wireless medical telemetry and radio astronomy). Will be interested in the debate about using wireless microphones in the duplex gap. Wireless microphones need to be spectrally efficient but should be provided spectrum where users will not be required to move again.

Chairman Wheeler. Very brief remarks emphasized that these two additional items move the Commission forward in implementing the Incentive Auction. They are a glimpse into the future with the emphasis on unlicensed usage and spectrum sharing.

Peter Ecclesine, Technology Analyst

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