Electromagnetic frequencies used for wireless communications
Spectrum
2020 Year in Review
Among the Department of Commerce's accomplishments in 2020:
As demand grows for more capable networks, optimizing wireless spectrum — the ranges of radio waves used for wireless communication — is important for America’s digital future. Reallocating spectrum for commercial and government use has been a top priority in recent years. This means working with international, federal, and state officials to reallocate spectrum to those who can make better use of it, maximizing the potential of this limited resource. How have the many government agencies involved tackled this issue?
Second Annual Report on the Status of Spectrum Repurposing
The United States continues to build on its 5G leadership and is critically focused on repurposing radiofrequency spectrum – especially through investment in America’s mid-band spectrum. Our country leads the world in availability of high- and low-band spectrum for commercial wireless services. Now, as this Report highlights, the United States is making tremendous strides in repurposing important mid-band spectrum.
5G Challenge Notice of Inquiry
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, under sponsorship of and in collaboration with the Department of Defense 5G Initiative, is seeking comments and recommendations from all interested stakeholders to explore the creation of a 5G Challenge that would accelerate the development of the open 5G stack ecosystem in support of Department of Defense missions. These comments will help NTIA and the U.S. Government identify and mitigate the challenges in creating and executing a competition.
Statement on the Recent FCC Enforcement Action Against Voqal USA
The Instructional Telecommunications Foundation (ITF) (d/b/a Voqal USA) is dismayed by the FCC Republican majority’s decision to approve a Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL) against ITF. The Commission’s findings ignore our exemplary record, full compliance with all FCC requirements, and longstanding commitment to educational service. We look forward to responding in detail to the NAL. “The FCC is taking this action against ITF for allegedly not following the very rules it recently eliminated.
FCC Proposes Over $47 Million In Fines For Failing To Meet Educational Requirements For Licensed Spectrum
The Federal Communications Commission proposed fines on 10 entities for apparently failing to provide the educational services required by Educational Broadband Service (EBS) spectrum licenses they hold.
FCC Adds Three Items to Jan 13 Meeting Agenda
In addition to five panels summarizing the work of the Federal Communications Commission over the past four years, the commission will consider the following --
What to Watch During Pai's Last Weeks at the FCC
Although Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has yet to issue any plans for narrowing the liability protections for tech companies, as President Donald Trump and some conservatives want, he’s been keeping busy. Chairman Pai is attempting to knock out objectives by circulating proposals for votes rather than holding formal ones during the FCC’s last official meeting under him on Jan.
FCC Grants Additional 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window Licenses
The Federal Communications Commission has granted 22 additional applications for licenses to use the 2.5 GHz band to close the digital divide and to provide broadband and other advanced wireless services to rural Tribal communities. These spectrum licenses, which were granted to Tribal entities across the country through the agency’s first-of-its-kind Rural Tribal Priority Window, provide for exclusive use of up to 117.5 megahertz of 2.5 GHz band spectrum that can be used by Tribes to connect their communities.
Top Broadband and Telecom Trends of 2020
The broadband and telecom industry managed not only to meet increased demand during the pandemic but also to make progress on broader initiatives, as we note in our roundup of 2020 telecom trends.