Carr Says Spectrum Work Slow; FCC OKs 60 GHz FNPRM
Commissioners OK’d a Further NPRM proposing revised rules for short-range radars in the 60 GHz band 4-0 Tuesday, as expected (see 2107090047). But Commissioner Brendan Carr questioned whether the FCC is moving aggressively enough on opening spectrum for 5G and unlicensed use. The FNPRM explores new rules for the 57-64 GHz portion and asks questions about using the broader 57-71 GHz band.
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The FCC made a few clarifying tweaks to the draft, Office of Engineering and Technology acting Chief Ron Repasi told reporters. “We did update the draft to clarify that the conducted power limit is a peak value.” It notes the difference in power measurement techniques between European Telecommunications Standards Institute and current FCC rules, he said. The FCC has been focused on 60 GHz since Jessica Rosenworcel became acting chairwoman. Waivers went to Infineon, Tesla, IEE Sensing and others involving detection of children inadvertently left in hot vehicles (see 2104140045).
Carr questioned speed. “For the U.S. to extend its leadership, the FCC needs to match the pace and cadence we hit over the past few years on spectrum auctions and authorizations,” he said. “The challenge today is not an empty spectrum cupboard; it is making sure we maintain the progress we’ve been making.” Carr said the federal government should provide “over the next few weeks” more information sought by potential bidders on licenses offered in the 3.45 GHz auction, which starts in October.
Auction remaining 2.5 GHz licenses this year, Carr suggested. Start a proceeding this year exploring opportunities for unlicensed use of the U-NII-2C band (5470-5725 MHz) band “including for very low power operations,” he urged. Explore increasing the power levels for operations in the citizens broadband radio service band, he said: “Now that the band is being used nationwide, we can use real-world experiences to explore the benefits of raising the power levels to maximize its full potential.” Carr urged finalizing rules for very-low-power devices and device-to-device communications in 6 GHz.
“We’re moving at a very fast pace when it comes to mid-band spectrum,” Rosenworcel told reporters. “We’ll shortly be making C-band licenses available to winning bidders,” and that will be followed by the 3.45 GHz auction, she said. Discussions are underway with federal agencies on 3.1-3.45 GHz, she said. “We are making loads of progress.”
“There are additional spectrum actions that we can be taking, including this year,” Carr responded, also to reporters. “These spectrum things take time” and all the work isn’t always public, he said.
“Innovations are coming fast,” Rosenworcel said during the meeting. “Radar sensing technology is being used to support the development of gesture control, which will allow you to turn on the lights or turn up the heat with a flick of the wrist,” she said: “It’s being used to develop new systems for real-time traffic management.”