CTIA asked the government to reallocate the top 150 MHz of the 3.1-3.45 GHz band to wireless broadband, noting the spectrum is seen globally as a “core 5G workhorse, providing the capacity needed to connect the industries of the future.” More than 70 countries are planning or using 5G in this band, and in 30 of those countries it safely coexists with the same U.S. military radar systems that are used domestically, CTIA said Tuesday. CTIA released three other reports, by GSMA, DLA Piper and CCS Insights, exploring how the military uses the band.
Wireless carriers see the 12.7 GHz band, also known as the 13 GHz band, as a candidate for reallocation for 5G, and eventually 6G, based on comments filed last week at the FCC. But carriers consider the band in general inferior to 3.1 GHz and other bands with less packet loss and better propagation characteristics. Broadcasters, the satellite industry and NTIA also raised concerns.
Chinese tech giant Huawei reported its revenue grew 3% over the same period last year in the first half of 2023 and its profit margin increased despite U.S. and other international sanctions. Andy Purdy, Huawei chief security officer, said in an interview Friday Huawei remains open to better relations with the U.S., and blocking Huawei won’t make the U.S. safer.
NTCA and the Rural Wireless Association warned of looming costs for smaller carriers if the FCC approves rules to facilitate a move to next-generation 911, in comments on a June NPRM (see 2306080043). The FCC’s proposed approach got general support from the National Association of State 911 Administrators, the National Emergency Number Association and other public safety commenters (see 2308090036), but industry is raising concerns. Comments were due at the FCC Wednesday in docket 21-479 and were still being posted Thursday.
An FCC proposal to allow fixed-wireless use of the lower 12 GHz band remains hotly contested. Multiple satellite interests argued expanded terrestrial use of the upper 12 GHz band, if allowed, must include protection for adjacent-band satellite services. Comments were posed Wednesday and Thursday in docket 20-443. Leaders of the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition are seeking FCC action by year's end (see 2308090061). The FCC also sought comment on an NPRM on the upper 12 GHz band.
The FCC released an NPRM Thursday on a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for smart devices (see 2307180054). Commissioners approved the NPRM 4-0 last weekend. The NPRM poses dozens of questions about the scope and nature of the program. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Nathan Simington released statements. Comment deadlines will come in a Federal Register notice.
The National Association of State 911 Administrators warned the FCC that moving to next-generation 911 will be complicated, in comments on an NPRM commissioners approved 4-0 in June (see 2306080043). The National Emergency Number Association said the FCC is on the right track with the NPRM. Comments were due at the FCC Wednesday in docket 21-479. The notice followed a NASNA petition seeking a rulemaking or notice of inquiry to fully implement NG911 (see 2110190066 and 2201200043).
Leaders of the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition hope for FCC action by year-end on rules to allow fixed-wireless use of the lower 12 GHz band. Comments were due Wednesday on a Further NPRM, which commissioners approved 4-0 in May, examining fixed-wireless and unlicensed use of 12.2-12.7 GHz spectrum (see 2305180052). That FNPRM was part of a complicated series of items addressing the 12 and 13 GHz bands.
NTIA announced the first three winners under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund, a $1.5 billion federal fund aimed at spurring the growth of open radio access networks and advanced spectrum sharing. NTIA unveiled the grants Tuesday at Northeastern University in Boston, one of the recipients.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel appears to be teeing up an order on revised rules for the 6 GHz band for one of the commissioners' open meetings before the World Radiocommunication Conference, which starts Nov. 20 in Dubai. The WRC includes an agenda item on whether to identify the upper 700 MHz of the band for international mobile telecommunications, which the U.S. opposes, and the order would lay down a strong U.S. marker in favor of unlicensed use of the band, Wi-Fi advocates told us.