Spectrum Management 2002:

1
Spectrum Management 2002 A WTB
Perspective Barry J. Ohlson Chief, Policy
Division Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau Federal Communications Commission National
Spectrum Managers Association Rosslyn,
Virginia May 21, 2002
2
Overview

• Items I am recused from
• Part 101
• 39 GHz
• Full band, full arc
• Items I can (and will) talk about
• 4.9 GHz
• 800 MHz
• 27 MHz (216-220 MHz, 1.4 GHz, 1.6 GHz, 2.3 GHz)
• Some recent fixed wireless developments

3
4.9 GHz Allocation

• In February 2002, the FCC designated the
  4940-4990 MHz band for use in support of public
  safety.
• Underlying allocation for fixed and mobile
  (except aeronautical mobile) services.
• Concurrently, an NPRM was released on license and
  service rules.
• Seeks comment on scope of public safety
  designation.

4
4.9 GHz Allocation (cont.)

• NPRM also seeks comment on
• Specific band segmentation and channel plans.
• Concept of Public Safety band manager.
• Interference impact from adjacent band U.S. Navy
  operations and adjacent radio astronomy.
• Possible commercial use of bandto support public
  safety.
• Comments are due July 8 andreply comments are
  due August 7.

5
800 MHz Public Safety Interference

• Best Practices Guide was printed in December 2000
  in response to reports of interference.
• Group included Motorola, APCO, Nextel, CTIA, and
  PSWN.
• Interference has occurred even though all
  providers are operating within the parameters of
  their FCC licenses.
• Guide describes types of interference and
  provides information that may enable parties to
  reduce it.
• Subsequently, APCO formed Project 39to collect
  additional data and refine procedures.

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800 MHz Interference (cont.)

• Interference reports continue to increase.
• Project 39 has collected information on cases in
  24 states.
• Nextel submitted a white paper in November 2001.
• Would eliminate interleaved structure at 800
  MHz
• Would provide 10 MHz more spectrum to Public
  Safety at 800 MHz in exchange for spectrum at 2.1
  GHz.
• Would require 800 MHz private wireless licensees
  to relocate to 700/900 MHz.
• NPRM adopted on March 14, 2002.
• Comments (over 200!) were filed on May 4.
• Reply Comments now due July 8 (extended
  deadline).

7
Existing 800 MHz Land Mobile Radio Bandplan

Mobile
824 MHz
700 MHz Public Safety
General Category
Upper 200 SMR
Interleaved
NPSPAC
Base
869 MHz
As of 1/9/02
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800 MHz Interference (cont.)

• Tentatively concludes that harmful interference
  to PS communications must be remedied.
• Discusses various means of reconfiguring the 800
  MHz band including proposals from Nextel and NAM.
• Requests information on amount of spectrum
  sufficient to meet PS needs.
• Discusses means of how to handle licensing and
  coordination if 800 MHz band is restructured.
• Considers receiver standards, stricter limits on
  emissions and more robust PS signals.

9
Reallocated Spectrum

• On May 16, FCC adopted service rules for 27 MHz
  of spectrum reallocated to non-government use.
• Represent seven separate spectrum blocks.
• Item supports flexible regulatory and licensing
  framework.
• FCC announced intention to initiate an NOI
  regarding the provision of spectrum-based service
  to rural areas.

10
Reallocated Spectrum (cont.)

• 216-220 MHz License secondary telemetry using
  frequency coordination.
• 1390-1392 MHz Assign by 52 MEAs.
• 1392-1935/1432-1435 MHz Assign by six EAGs.
• 1.4 GHz band
• 1427-129.5 MHz Continue to license to WMTS on a
  primary basis.
• 1429.5-1432 MHz License telemetry on a site by
  site basis.

11
Reallocated Spectrum (cont.)

• 1670-1675 MHz Assign on a single, nationwide
  basis.
• 2385-2390 MHz Assign on a single, nationwide
  basis.
• Licensees must coordinate if operating near
  non-Governmental aeronautical flight-test
  telemetry.
• RO recognizes that several of the bands have
  incumbent Government operations.

12
Fixed Wireless Developments

• MDS/ITFS services (2.1/2.5 GHz) now regulated by
  WTB / PSPWD.
• Will review MDS/ITFS rules to assess if the
  licensing can be managed more effectively.
• On May 16, FCC expanded eligibility for licenses
  in CARS to MVPDs including PCOs.
• Reserved opportunity to examine in other
  proceedings the flexible use of the CARS bands.
• Interest in 70/80 GHz and 90 GHz.