FCC proceeding could boost rural microwave backhaul

Rural cellular operators could see wider availability of wireless spectrum for backhaul networks as the result of a notice of proposed rulemaking issued by the Federal Communications Commission last week. The NPRM seeks to make up to 750 MHz of spectrum below 13 GHz available for microwave backhaul by allowing microwave backhaul operators to share spectrum licensed for use by the television industry.

The document notes that spectrum below 13 GHz is preferred for long-link backhaul because signals can overcome fading effects caused by weather conditions more easily than at higher frequencies. Broadcasters currently use the spectrum for transmitting breaking news and cable television companies use it to receive signals from remote locations or to distribute programming to areas where other distribution methods are not practical. The crafters of the proposal believe technology has advanced to where it would be feasible for backhaul network operators to share the spectrum with the licensees, after first following a specified procedure that would require notification of parties that might be impacted by the move.