FCC Turns to BRS/EBS Issues at 2.5 GHz
The FCC is likely to set performance rules for broadband radio service (BRS) and educational broadband service (EBS) licensees in the 2.5 GHz band at its Oct. 12 meeting, several sources said. It’s also expected to act on 20 petitions to reconsider a June 2004 ruling revising rules for ITFS and MDS operators in the 2495-2690 MHz band. The items could still fall off the agenda, given the FCC’s recent hurricane-related focus, some speculated. The FCC also is circulating a rulemaking on BRS relocation for channels 1 and 2. The latter is expected to be addressed in circulation.
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The BRS/EBS order will address issues raised in a rulemaking the FCC launched in June 2004, sources said. At that time, the FCC set rules to promote wireless broadband in the band and optimize spectrum traditionally used to provide video services for data use. A further NPRM sought comment on adoption of transition plans for markets where no transition plans are submitted within 3 years, and on whether spectrum auctions might accomplish transitions in those markets.
Acting on 20 reconsideration petitions, the FCC likely will replace MEAs, which it adopted in the 2004 order, with smaller basic trading areas (BTAs) as geographic benchmarks for transition to the new BRS/EBS band plan, an industry source said. The MEA-based transition process drew strong opposition from most of the 20 petitioners. For example, the Wireless Communications Assn. (WCA) said, the St. George, Utah, BTA overlaps the L.A.-San Diego and Phoenix MEAs: “One does not have to run the numbers to determine that the costs, delays and other logistical difficulties associated with transitioning the exponentially larger Los Angeles-San Diego and Phoenix MEAs undermine any economic case for introducing… new service to St. George.”
Other major issues for the FCC to resolve involve technical parameters and licensees’ interference protection obligations. These include limits on power and out-of-band emissions, and whether operators using the band today for wireless cable service will be able to continue doing so.
The FCC is circulating a rulemaking on obligations winners of advanced wireless service (AWS) auctions to relocate BRS channels 1 and 2, according to an agency source. The agency isn’t expected to make specific proposals, but will ask how the relocation should work and what auction winners’ obligations should be.
Resolving BRS relocation is among “clean-up” issues the FCC must address before the 2006 AWS auction. Another is whether to limit access by designated entities (DEs) that partner with large wireless carriers to bidding credits in this and other auctions. The FCC last month denied a Council Tree petition asking the agency to change DE rules, but did commit to launching an NPRM. An FCC source said the agency soon will take on that issue.