FCC Seeks Comment on Defining When Wireless Licensees Commence Operations After Incentive Auction
The FCC is seeking comment on the definition of “commencing operations” for new 600 MHz band wireless licensees after the incentive auction, said a public notice issued Thursday. Since some broadcast users of the band are allowed to continue operations…
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until they receive notice that the wireless licensee is about to “commence operations” in that spectrum, a specific definition is needed, the PN said. It proposed defining commencement as when the wireless licensee begins “site commissioning tests,” which usually take place after the physical infrastructure of a cell site has been installed. For site commissioning testing, a licensee “will require access to its 600 MHz Band spectrum in the area in which it is commencing operations so all of its facilities can be tested under the real world conditions for which they were designed and in an environment that is free from potential interference from others,” the PN said. It seeks comment on whether some other stage of testing should be considered commencement, and the size of the area the wireless licensee must notify ahead of time. Comments are due May 1, replies May 18.