WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission today opened a huge swath of spectrum for wireless broadband services, creating incentives for businesses to invest in a third digital pipe to homes and businesses across the country.
In doing so, the agency found a new home-the 2.5 GHz band-for 2.1 GHz users forced off the band to free spectrum for third-generation wireless systems. Nearly 200 megahertz in the 2.5 GHz band will become available for wireless broadband services.
By revamping the 2.5 GHz band, it is now technically feasible and financially attractive to deploy wireless broadband systems. Schools and colleges, which offer educational video services and lease excess channels to commercial firms in the band, were protected. The FCC declined to relax or eliminate eligibility rules for the Instructional Television Fixed Service.
The wireless broadband industry, which now includes cellular pioneer Craig McCaw, applauded the ruling.
“The Wireless Communications Association is gratified that the proceeding is moving toward a conclusion that will unlock the consumer and educational benefits of this spectrum by a major reform of the rules,” said WCA President Andrew Kreig.
The FCC set a three-year transition period for 2.5 GHz licensees to adapt to new rule changes and established guidelines for negotiations among stakeholders. At the same time, the commission launched a new inquiry to study whether other mechanisms-including auctions-can be employed to maximize use of 2.5 GHz frequencies.
To make the 2.5 GHz band plan work, federal regulators had to change the location in the mobile satellite service band where ancillary terrestrial component operations are allowed.
The agency also approved sharing between the two operational MSS operators-Iridium Satellite L.L.C. and Globalstar L.L.C.-in the 1.6 GHz band. Officials plan to examine whether future MSS sharing is feasible. Previously, only CMDA operators-at present, Globalstar-had access to the 1618.25-1621.35 MHz band. Now, Iridium, which uses TDMA technology, can operate in the band.
While the new 2.5 GHz band plan passed by a 5-0 vote, Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein criticized the FCC’s embrace of large service areas for wireless broadband licenses.
“I believe that broadband deployment for the foreseeable future will be rolled out on a relatively localized basis,” said Adelstein. “I am concerned that the obligation to transition an entire MEA [major economic area] will make it exceedingly difficult for proponents to effectuate transitions in their particular market.”
