FCC Allocates More Spectrum for AWS, Examines BRS Relocation

The 2155-2175 MHz band is part of a larger band at 2155-2180 MHz, which the FCC has identified as “ideally suited” for new fixed and mobile services, including AWS, because it’s adjacent to the 2110-2155 MHz AWS band and because “this allocation would closely complement the international allocation for a terrestrial component of advanced services at 2110-2170 MHz,” the FCC said: “The contiguous spectrum created by such a designation would create synergies in equipment design and facilitate the introduction of multiple AWS licensees using larger spectrum blocks, possibly providing opportunities for asymmetric spectrum usage.”

The 2155-2175 MHz designation for AWS received considerable industry support, since the band could be used for AWS in paired and unpaired configurations. For example, CTIA recommended that larger blocks in the band be paired asymmetrically with smaller blocks in the 1710- 1755 MHz band already allocated for AWS. Most commenters supported the FCC broadening the AWS designation from the 2110-2155 MHz band to 2110-2180 MHz to increase spectrum efficiency.

“Based on our determination that additional spectrum is needed for AWS use, and because the characteristics of the 2155-2175 MHz band make it well suited for such use, we conclude that designating this band for AWS will promote efficient use of the spectrum and allow for the rapid introduction of high value services in the band,” the FCC said: “Because the 2155-2175 MHz band is adjacent to the 2110-2155 MHz and 2175-2180 MHz bands that have already been designated for AWS, an AWS designation for this band will create 70 MHz of contiguous spectrum that will promote the rapid introduction of new technologies and service offerings and will foster the use of the highest potential spectrum.” The FCC also said the allocation of 2155-2160 MHz band to fixed and mobile services will allow the provision of AWS in the band. The FCC said it would consider in a separate proceeding how to assign new AWS spectrum at 2155-2175 MHz.

The FCC also launched a rulemaking seeking comments on the specific relocation procedures applicable to BRS operations in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, which the agency recently decided will be relocated to the newly restructured 2495-2690 MHz band. It also sought comments on relocations procedures for fixed microwave service operations in the 2160-2175 MHz band. The FCC proposed to generally follow relocation policies outlined in its Emerging Technologies proceeding, in which the agency relocated point-to-point microwaves to clear spectrum for PCS. The FCC also said it will require BRS licensees in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band to provide information on the construction status and operational parameters of each incumbent BRS system that would be the subject of relocation.

Relocation procedures applied to BRS licensees in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band are “particularly significant because the adopted procedures will have a direct impact on a subgroup of future [AWS] licensees that will be responsible for relocation of the BRS portion of the AWS spectrum block,” Comrs. Copps and Adelstein said in a joint statement. “Timely resolution of the relocation issues… is critical to the Commission’s current plans to conduct an auction of AWS spectrum next summer,” they said. “We are thrilled that the Commission is moving forward with this because it’s a critical issue for the future development of the wireless broadband services,” said Paul Sinderbrand, an attorney for the Wireless Communications Assn.

Copps and Adelstein also said they “remain very interested in a timely” proceeding to examine whether the FCC should limit the ability of designated entities (DE) that have relationships with the largest national carriers from having access to bidding credits in the AWS and other auctions. The FCC has committed to launching the DE proceeding as soon as possible. “[We] firmly believe that it [proceeding] can be completed well in advance of the next year’s auction,” they said.