Coming to a Network Near You - 700 MHz Interoperability . . . Maybe

For years, the build-out process for 700 MHz wireless networks has been slowed because of interoperability concerns. The Federal Communications Commission has made noises about possible regulatory resolutions, but so far those noises have not turned into agency action. So now a couple of the private players have announced their own solution.

FCC Acting Chairwoman Clyburn has loudly proclaimed that that “solution will resolve the lack of interoperability in the lower 700 MHz band in the most efficient manner”. But heads up – as the Chairwoman correctly notes, this is a “voluntary industry solution.” AT&T and DISH both have made certain commitments subject to certain conditions. AT&T’s letter is the more interesting of the two as it contains very positive developments for 700 MHz interoperability if fully realized. DISH offers to implement voluntary power reductions to make the whole deal work. But as a condition to making good on its interoperability “commitments,” AT&T is insisting that the FCC adopt an order by December 31, 2013 requiring that all E block licensees transmitting a signal with an emission bandwidth greater than one megahertz are restricted to an ERP of 1,000 to 2,000 watts/MHz and an antenna height of 305 meters above average terrain. And if the Commission doesn’t adopt such an order by December 31, or if it does adopt such an order but the order is subject to appellate review, then AT&T “reserves the right to declare these commitments null and void”.