University of Utah Obtains Waiver for Wireless Experiments in CBRS Band
The FCC Wireless Bureau on Friday approved a waiver of Section 96.39(g) of commission rules that allows the University of Utah to operate a research tool using an experimental license over a small area in Salt Lake City. The rule section covers security requirements for citizens broadband radio service devices. In 2022, commenters raised concerns about the proposed waiver (see 2207190047), needed for wireless research using the university’s platform for open wireless data-driven experimental research (POWDER).
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With a waiver “of the security and equipment authorization requirements … the University can engage in valuable, innovative research using mid-band spectrum in its experimental sand box, with little risk of causing harmful interference to commercial users,” the bureau said in docket 22-257. “We find that the purpose of section 96.39(g) would not be served by its strict application in this case.” The experiments that will be conducted using the POWDER system “are in the public interest as they may inform the development of new wireless technologies, including innovative approaches to spectrum management.”