Unlicensed
FCC Takes Steps To Open Spectrum Horizons For New Services And Technologies
The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to encourage the development of new communications technologies and expedite the deployment of new services in the spectrum above 95 GHz. Prior to this decision, the FCC had no rules for authorizing communications above 95 GHz, other than by amateur operators or through experiments of limited duration and scope. To enable innovators and entrepreneurs to most readily access this spectrum, the Spectrum Horizons First Report and Order creates a new category of experimental licenses for use of frequencies between 95 GHz and 3 THz.
Chairman Pai’s Response to Rep. Biggs Regarding Unlicensed Spectrum
On December 20, 2018, five Members of Congress wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to urge the FCC to move forward with its 5.9 GHz proceeding and enable access to unlicensed technologies. On Feb 28, Chairman Pai answered saying the FCC would move forward to ensure that the 5.9 GHz band is put to its highest and best use taking into account current uses and new opportunities for increased use.
Without a doubt, the 2018 midterm elections revealed a nation divided on many issues and not just along party lines. However, beyond all the rancor and disagreement, Americans of all political stripes have come together on one of our most pressing policy problems: access to broadband internet. Broadband access has sparked a revolution in startup activity, producing an app economy defined by democratized entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, broadband is still unavailable for millions of Americans.
Tech and utilities clash over proposed FCC rule to allow unlicensed users to access the 6GHz band
The Federal Communications Commission recently proposed a new rule that will allow unlicensed users to access the 6 GHz band — a frequency on the radio spectrum — for Wi-Fi connectivity, causing a disagreement between broadband companies that would benefit from the rule and utility companies that currently rely on the frequency to communicate. The FCC reserves portions of the 6 GHz band for communications between licensed electric, water and natural gas utilities companies.
NCTA: Government Spectrum Strategy Should be Balanced
In comments to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, NCTA-The Internet & Television Association said the Trump Administration's National Spectrum Strategy should recognize that Wi-Fi is the primary delivery mechanism for broadband and promote additional unlicensed spectrum and critical to any spectrum strategy.
Sens Daines (R-MT), Johnson (R-MS) Press Chairman Pai for Action on White Spaces
Sens Steve Daines (R-MT) and Ron Johnson (R-MS) have asked the Federal Communications Commission to resolve interference issues with TV white spaces (TVWS) use by unlicensed devices, come up with final guidance, and allow for the expansion of TVWS use. They say the technology is key to closing the rural broadband divide because it is an affordable connectivity answer for rural and tribal communities.
The vibrancy of the wireless economy, what’s now and what’s next—from Wi-Fi 6 to the 5G experience.
Agenda:
1:00 PM: Registration
1:20 PM: Program Begins
1:25 PM: Unlicensed Spectrum: Supercharging the U.S. Economy featuring Dr. Raul Katz, Telecom Advisory Services, moderated by Ellen Satterwhite, WifiForward
A big auction is the latest in America’s race to 5G
A brief Q&A with Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
FCC Proposes More Spectrum for Unlicensed Use
The Federal Communications Commission proposed to make up to 1200 megahertz of spectrum available for use by unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz). The proposed rules are designed to allow unlicensed devices to operate in the 6 GHz band without interfering with the operation of the licensed services that will continue to use this spectrum.
A Fresh Look at the 5.9 GHz Band
It’s time for the Federal Communications Commission to take a fresh look at the 5.9 GHz band. After two decades and millions of dollars in wasted government subsidies, the Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) experiment in the 5.9 GHz band has clearly failed. The growth of Wi-Fi over the last two decades and the potential of this spectrum to deliver better Wi-Fi only amplify this failure in policy.