FCC Ready to Certify First License Assisted Access Devices, Pleased With LTE-U/Wi-Fi Tests

forward on certifying license assisted access (LAA) devices that have been submitted to the agency. “We are aware that equipment manufacturers have since developed devices based on this standard and we will proceed to grant equipment certification for LAA devices that meet the Commission’s rules,” he said. LAA is considered a close cousin to LTE-unlicensed. The Wi-Fi Alliance released its long-awaited test plan Wednesday (see 1609210069). “Throughout this process we have strongly encouraged industry to address and resolve sharing concerns while preserving the principle of permission-less access for unlicensed devices throughout the spectrum,” Knapp wrote. "We are pleased with the progress that has been made. OET and [the Wireless Bureau] will continue to closely monitor the roll-out of unlicensed LTE technology to ensure there is no detrimental impact on consumers." Consumers win "with the news that the FCC agreed with our position to authorize LTE services for unlicensed spectrum, which will help us meet users’ demands for mobile-first lifestyles,” CTIA said in an emailed statement. In a second blog post, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said Friday that 5G was a major theme of his visit to Seattle and the Competitive Carriers Association conference. “In a separate visit to T-Mobile’s headquarters, I saw a demonstration of technology under development, including 5G technologies, and heard about the work they are pursuing to bring next-generation products to market,” Wheeler wrote. “It’s not just wireless carriers that have begun thinking about our 5G future. Boeing welcomed me to their facilities, where they are already using number of advanced fabrication technologies that rely on unlicensed spectrum, and they have begun exploring the possibilities of more robust 5G connectivity.”