Battle Continues Over Future of Private Networks in 900 MHz Band
Most comments appeared to support proposals in a January NPRM on a voluntary, negotiation-based process to transition 10 MHz in the 900 MHz band to broadband. But some commenters continued to raise concerns about the interference risk for the current band incumbent (see 2505190025). Reply comments were due this week in docket 24-99. In 2020, the FCC approved use of 3/3 MHz channels in the band for broadband while retaining 4 MHz for narrowband operations (see 2005130057).
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“There is almost unanimous support among critical infrastructure industry (CII) organizations for the Commission’s proposed framework that will enable increased broadband in the 900 MHz band,” said the Lower Colorado River Authority. "Nearly every utility company, trade organization, equipment manufacturer, vendor, and other interested stakeholder that is part of the growing 900 MHz broadband ecosystem agreed on the need for broadband capacity, its importance for CII entities, and the lack of existing commercial broadband services that currently exist to meet such needs.”
Anterix, which is building networks for utilities using the 3/3 MHz segments, urged the FCC to move quickly. “To the few parties who suggest caution before proceeding, Anterix submits that is not a responsible option,” the company said. “The extraordinary demands being placed on the electric grid that underpins every governmental, business, and private activity in this country and that increasingly is experiencing the impact of more intense, more frequent, and more destructive weather as well as being a target for more cybersecurity attacks mean the nation cannot afford to wait.”
The Association of American Railroads and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association offered an alternative view of the initial comments, citing opposition from “numerous” parties. “The record highlights the ongoing challenges and limitations of the 3/3 megahertz transition, and commenters justifiably question whether transitioning to a 5/5 megahertz broadband segment is necessary at this time,” they said.
Motorola Solutions said making more changes now would be premature. “There are numerous incumbents operating in the 900 MHz Band that rely on narrowband spectrum to provide a host of critical public safety and emergency communications.” The company called deployment of 3/3 MHz channels “slow and uneven,” so far.
Select Spectrum, which works with utilities and others building private networks, said the FCC must require that 5/5 MHz deployments follow negotiations with incumbents. Select noted that companies have numerous options for building networks beyond 900 MHz. “When the FCC is considering modifying a regulatory framework for a band in heavy usage … it should avoid changing rules unless the long-term benefits outweigh the short term costs and the rule changes should remain largely unaltered thereafter for the lifespan of such wireless networks -- typically 10-20 years.”
The Utility Broadband Alliance saw “overwhelming support” for adopting a framework to allow 5/5 MHz broadband operations. While the earlier allocation “has been a tremendous success, commenters caution that it will not be sufficient to accommodate the expanding capacity and performance needs of utilities, CII and other enterprises,” the alliance said.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association said a 5/5 MHz allocation would benefit its members. The 900 MHz band offers “a meaningful opportunity for NRECA’s rural cooperatives to secure broadband spectrum that will enable them to participate in the ongoing grid modernization needed to provide safe, reliable, and effective electric service to the American public,” the group said. “That is as important in the rural areas where NRECA members keep the lights on and industry working as it is in urban and suburban communities.”