Electromagnetic frequencies used for wireless communications
Spectrum
FCC rejects CCA request for stay in Verizon/Straight Path license transfer
The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced it will not stand in the way of Straight Path’s millimeter wave (mmWave) license transfer to Verizon, denying a request from the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) to stay a Jan. 18 order approving the transfer. The bureau said CCA failed to meet its burden for a “grant of an extraordinary remedy” of a stay.
Rural broadband providers keep pressing for smaller CBRS licensed areas
Several organizations representing the interests of rural telecommunication and electric cooperatives recently met with Federal Communications Commission staff to discuss rules for the 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)—namely, that they want the rules to remain much the same as they were crafted in the first place.
Carriers Are Hoarding America’s Bandwidth. Google Just Wants Them to Share
A Google-led plan to overhaul how valuable airwaves are used for calls and texts is gaining momentum across the wireless industry, giving the company the chance to play a central role in networks of the future. Citizens Broadband Radio Service, or CBRS, is a fat slice of the US airwaves being freed from the military’s exclusive control. Instead of just zipping messages between aircraft carriers and fighter jets, the spectrum will be shared by the Navy, wireless carriers like Verizon, cable companies including Comcast, and even hospitals, refineries, and sports stadiums.
Chairman Pai announced that the following items are tentatively on the agenda for the April 2018 Open Commission Meeting:
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No Spring Break for the FCC
Building on our progress last week modernizing our wireless infrastructure rules so that they are 5G ready, the Federal Communications Commission in April will continue to move full steam ahead in making spectrum available for next-generation 5G networks. At our April meeting, the Commission will vote on a public notice seeking input on auction procedures for the 28 GHz and 24 GHz bands. And under the draft that I have presented my colleagues, the 28 GHz auction would commence on November 14.
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Spectrum warehousing lets corporations control the price of the internet in the developing world
Companies like OneWeb and Elon Musk’s Starlink have been moving forward on ambitious plans to make internet available to every person on earth, which is a noble goal considering an estimated 4.3 billion people don’t have internet access. The problem is that there’s a natural incentive for a private satellite company to engage in “spectrum warehousing,” or highballing the amount of satellites it asks the government to allow it to shoot up. The company’s request may get approved on paper, but the companies may drag their feet sending up those satellites, or never send them up at all.
FCC Seeks To Expand Use Of and Investment In 4.9 Ghz Band
The Federal Communications Commission proposed action to promote more flexible and intensive use of the 4.9 GHz band, a segment of spectrum designated for public safety communications. In a Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC seeks comment on proposals, technical in nature, to encourage greater use of and investment in this public safety band, drawing on input from the public safety community and other potential users.
Key Communications Provisions Make it on Omnibus Bill
Legislation to reauthorize the Federal Communications Commission, boost mobile broadband, and provide additional funds, as needed, for broadcasters' moves to new spectrum in the post-incentive auction repack has been included in the must-pass omnibus spending bill, which must pass by March 23 to avoid another government shutdown. The RAY BAUM Act (which incorporated Sen.
What is the future of 5G deployment? What does this mean for schools, libraries, and other anchor institutions? David Young will explore these questions and more as a panelists in our upcoming Grow2Gig+ Webinar. |
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The FCC Should Use Blockchain to Manage Wireless Spectrum
[Commentary] Instead of having a centralized database to support shared access in specific spectrum bands, innovators should explore the use of blockchain as a lower-cost alternative. If the effort succeeds, the benefits could be considerable: The system could reduce the administrative expense of allocating spectrum and increase efficiency by enabling demand-matching spectrum sharing and by lowering transaction costs. Even better, the public quality of the information on the blockchain could expose patterns in use and inspire new technical innovation in the process.