FCC set to clarify 2.3 GHz spectrum band rules: Move expected to prevent interference between terrestrial radio, wireless broadband services

The wireless broadband industry hailed a new Federal Communications Commission effort to write rules to prevent satellite radio terrestrial repeaters from interfering with WiMAX services planned in the 2.3 GHz spectrum band.
The FCC recently decided to update the public record to better ascertain how wireless communications services and digital audio radio service can both operate without disrupting each other in the 2.3 GHz band.
“The Wireless Communications Association applauds the commission for seeking public comment on the WCS Coalition’s proposed rules to govern the coexistence of WCS and DARS,” stated Andrew Kreig, president of the trade group. “As the founder of the WCS Coalition, WCA has long recognized the importance that the 2.3 GHz band plays globally, and can play in the U.S., in the delivery of wireless broadband services to consumers. Thus, WCA is pleased that the [FCC rulemaking] seeks public comment on the WCS Coalition’s proposed solutions to the two regulatory threats to the use of the 2.3 GHz band in America – interference from DARS terrestrial repeaters and an oppressive out-of-band emissions limit.”
AT&T Inc., Comcast Corp., NextWave Broadband Inc., NTELOS Inc., Sprint Nextel Corp., Horizon Wi-Com and WaveTel NC License Corp., members of the WCS Coalition, have voiced concern about the uncertainty of technical rules governing both services.
The companies have taken particular issue with requests by XM Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio for special temporary authorizations for terrestrial repeaters. FCC filings of the two dominant satellite radio companies have appeared to indicate the operation of terrestrial repeaters either at higher-than-allowed power limits or without any regulatory consent at all. Neither XM nor Sirius has acknowledged any wrongdoing. Satellite radio terrestrial repeaters have been operating for six years under special temporary authority, according to WCA.
The FCC, responding to wireless broadband industry complaints, last year extended network buildout deadline for 2.3 GHz facilities from 2007 to July 2010.
“When the WCS out-of-band emission rules were adopted over a decade ago, the commission had no idea how WCS would evolve. Now we know – WCS is poised to be one of the primary spectrum bands for mobile WiMAX services,” Kreig said. “Yet, its ability to provide those services is jeopardized by a spectral mask on low-powered mobile devices that is far more protective of DARS than necessary. The WCS Coalition’s testing has demonstrated beyond question that adoption of the proposed rule revisions will permit WCS to provide mobile WiMAX services without jeopardizing service to DARS subscribers. The [FCC rulemaking] sets the stage for the commission to adopt a more reasonable spectral mask rule, one that allows the 2.3 GHz band to flourish in the U.S. as a home to mobile WiMAX services.”