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Major Internet Players Propose Framework for Opening 6 GHz Band

High-tech companies proposed a mitigation strategy to address concerns about interference in the 6 GHz band to protect incumbents while opened for unlicensed use. “We propose that the Commission adopt a robust framework for preventing harmful interference to FS [fixed…

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service] incumbents,” the companies said in docket 17-183. The framework should include “comprehensive ex ante interference protection through an automated frequency coordination process” and a “remediation tool to assure incumbents that, in the highly unlikely event that they experience harmful interference from a 6 GHz … device despite automated frequency coordination, the interference can be stopped and prevented from recurring.” The framework will protect fixed satellite service operators through antenna pointing rules, the companies said. Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, Facebook, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel, Microsoft, Qualcomm and Ruckus Networks signed. “Our companies’ understanding of the dynamics present in the 6 GHz band has benefited greatly from this record, and from our exchanges directly with incumbents,” they said. “We appreciate their good faith efforts to work collectively to find a way to improve broadband access for more Americans while avoiding harmful interference.” Meanwhile, Verizon reported meeting Wireless Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology staff where it “reiterated its conditional support for unlicensed use of the 5.925-6.425 GHz band, as long as the Commission adopts rules that protect the tens of thousands of existing microwave links and future microwave deployments in the band.”