WISPA, Microsoft, Google Push for C-band Co-channel Sharing, Saying It Could Support Gigabit Fixed Wireless

Microsoft, Google and the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) are urging the Federal Communications Commission to allow co-channel spectrum sharing in the C-band. The proposal would allow fixed wireless operators to use the same spectrum band as incumbent users, who are comprised largely of satellite operators that use the spectrum for their earth stations. The FCC is currently pondering how it might best make a portion of the C-band, comprised of spectrum between 3700 and 4200 MHz, available for wireless services.

While spectrum sharing and spectrum sharing proposals are becoming increasingly common, the C-band proposal is unlike some other approaches in that it calls for the same channel to be used by new and incumbent users in different geographic areas. This is different from some other spectrum sharing options, such as the TV white spaces system already in use that allows fixed wireless providers to share spectrum with incumbent TV broadcasters within a geographic area. According to the Microsoft, Google and WISPA report, mobile operators would not be able to share spectrum with satellite operators on a co-channel basis because mobile network infrastructure typically uses omnidirectional antennas, potentially interfering with radio altimeters for aeronautical navigation that are used in the adjacent 4200-4400 MHz band. Fixed wireless operators would be able to avoid this because they use narrow vertical beams, according to researchers. If the proposal that Microsoft, Google and WISPA have made passes the scrutiny of wireless experts and gains traction with the FCC, it could help to ensure that fixed wireless providers gain a foothold in the C-band.