FCC Launches Proceeding on Promoting Receiver Performance

The Federal Communications Commission voted to open a proceeding to explore options for promoting improvements in radio frequency (RF) receiver performance, including through use of incentives, industry-led voluntary approaches, FCC policy and guidance, or regulatory requirements. While FCC spectrum management efforts often have focused on transmitter regulations, the Notice of Inquiry will take a fresh look at the role of receivers and how improved receiver performance can promote more efficient spectrum use and enable valuable new services to be introduced that will benefit the American public. Wireless communications require RF systems to transmit and receive radio signals, making both transmitters and receivers vital for enabling innovative and efficient spectrum use. This new proceeding will support FCC efforts to gather up-to-date information on receiver performance, advances in receiver technologies, and various approaches for promoting the development and adoption of more interference-resilient receivers while fostering innovation in the marketplace. It also seeks comment on the FCC’s legal authority for various approaches it could consider. The FCC’s goal in this proceeding is to lay the foundation for future actions that could help create a more transparent and predictable radio frequency environment for all spectrum users.