Groups battling for unlicensed spectrum at 5 GHz to create a high-speed data system agree there is industry support for such a service, but the details now are in the hands of the Federal Communications Commission.
Apple Computer Inc. petitioned the FCC in May to create an unlicensed “NII Band” of 300 megahertz at 5150 MHz to 5200 MHz and 5725 MHz to 5875 MHz. Apple says unlicensed service can serve individual, niche needs on a non-preclusive basis, unlike “centralized” licensed operators who determine service offerings based on aggregate demand.
The Apple proposal draws its name from the Clinton administration’s National Information Infrastructure initiative, which encourages the private sector to upgrade the country’s telecommunications and information infrastructure.
Services now operating at unlicensed 5725 MHz to 5875 MHz include spread spectrum devices, industrial, scientific and medical applications, microwave landing systems and proposed mobile satellite service uplinks.
Apple said it seeks a prompt ruling so manufacturers can design, develop and test new products for such a system.
Illinois-based Andrew Corp. filed comments opposing any immediate decision, expressing concern that users now operating in the 5725 MHz to 5875 MHz band would be disrupted. Andrew manufactures mobile data equipment using spread spectrum technology.
Apple’s suggestion has been supported by the Wireless Information Networks Forum, WINForum, a trade association of wireless telecom and computer manufacturers. WINForum filed suggestions of its own, asking for 250 megahertz of spectrum to create the Shared Unlicensed Personal Radio Network, or SUPERNet in the 5.1 GHz to 5.35 GHz band. It would provide wireless local area networking and computer-to-computer communications.
In arguments to the FCC, Apple said licensed wireless services “share certain fundamental characteristics” that make them unsuitable for some wireless applications. For instance, the service provider decides which capabilities the network will support based on aggregate demand in a service area. That means licensed operators can’t cost-effectively meet the needs of those with special requirements, Apple said.
Licensed operators also impose airtime charges that are prohibitive for some users, according to Apple, and the systems can’t offer enough bandwidth for high-capacity data communications, such as ad hoc, local or wide area communications, or high-bandwidth last-link connections. Lastly, licensed wireless won’t be available everywhere in the country, such as rural areas, Apple claims.
“Unlicensed data communications will do for communicating what the PC and microprocessor did for computing,” Apple said. The computer manufacturer said data transmissions should be restricted to packet form only.
Andrew said interest recently has shifted significantly toward the 5800 MHz band because the FCC has limited unlicensed opportunity in the 902 MHz to 928 MHz and the 2.4 GHz bands.
“The natural and anticipated reaction of the spread spectrum and ISM industry to these commission actions has been to refocus investment, design and manufacturing on other spread spectrum and ISM frequencies that don’t have to contend with the introduction of other services,” Andrew said. Reallocation of the 5800 MHz band would limit spectrum options further, the company said.
Andrew said 300 megahertz of spectrum wasn’t necessary, that duplex transmissions could be accomplished at other bands and Apple could accomplish its goals with 150 megahertz at the 5300 MHz band. Andrew said 150 megahertz is enough to network the communities, schools and libraries that Apple championed in its petition.
Apple told the FCC that the 5 GHz allocation will build upon the European HIPERLAN effort and promote interoperability between the United States and Europe.
The comment period ended July 25 and the matter is now being reviewed by the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology.
