Interference Worries Must Be Balanced With Spectrum Needs, Globalstar Says; Microsoft Concerned
Interference concerns raised by Globalstar's competitors need to be balanced against FCC goals of encouraging investment, competition and efficient use of spectrum, CEO Jay Monroe told Edward Smith, aide to Chairman Tom Wheeler, said an ex parte filing posted Monday…
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in docket 13-213. Globalstar said Monroe also noted incumbents have incentives "to saddle new entrants with burdensome micro-regulations and onerous barriers." The company's broadband terrestrial low-power service (TLPS) plans are in limbo, with two commissioners having voted against them and two undecided, and the company has been actively lobbying the agency for approval (see 1606240056). Meanwhile, Microsoft President/Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith, in a phone call with Commissioner Mike O'Rielly, voiced worries about Globalstar's TLPS interfering with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks in the 2.4 GHz band, said a separate ex parte filing posted Monday. According to Microsoft, Smith said opening channel 14 to other public uses aside from TLPS -- as has been pushed by some (see 1606140020) -- would raise the likelihood of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi interference. He urged the FCC not to move on the Globalstar draft order without testing to assess interference effects.