Cybertelecom
Cybertelecom
Federal Internet Law & Policy
An Educational Project
Wireless :: Unlicensed Proceedings Dont be a FOOL; The Law is Not DIY

ET Docket No. 03-201 Released Sept 17, 2003 Modification of Parts 2 and 15 of the Commission's Rules for unlicensed devices and equipment approval.  

902 - 928 MHz LMS and Part 15 Org - UltraWide Band

Proceeding Initiated May 10, 2000 . Ex Parte Comment
Appeals

IN THE MATTER OF REVISION OF PART 15 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING ULTRA-WIDEBAND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS.  Dkt No.: ET-98-153.


 "1. By this Notice of Proposed Rule Making ("Notice"), we propose to amend Part 15 of the Commission's rules to pave the way for new types of products incorporating ultra-wideband ("UWB") technology. UWB devices may have the capability to provide for significant benefits for public safety, businesses and consumers. While comprehensive tests have not been completed, UWB devices appear to be able to operate on spectrum already occupied by existing radio services without causing interference, which would permit scarce spectrum resources to be used more efficiently. We are moving forward with this Notice to begin the process of identifying potential rule changes and alternatives necessary for the deployment of UWB technology. The proposals in this Notice are designed to ensure that existing and planned radio services, particularly safety services, are adequately protected. UWB technology is relatively new.  Further testing and analysis is needed before the risks of interference are completely understood.  Such testing is already being planned by a number of organizations.  We will provide ample opportunity to complete these tests and ensure that analyses of the test results are submitted in the record for public comment before adopting any final rules in this proceeding.  We invite broad comment on this Notice so that the Commission may ultimately provide for the introduction of this new and exciting technology." 

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Action of the Commission Adopted: May 10, 2000. by NPRM. (FCC No. 00-163). OET

Comments Due: 90 days from publication in Federal Register, Reply Comments Due: 120 days from publication in Federal Register. 

Media Advisory: Gregory L. Rohde, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will be available to the press on Thursday, August 10, to discuss NTIA's proposed measurement plan to assess the potential of interference issues from ultrawideband systems to the Global Positioning System (GPS). (August 9, 2000)

Commission Denies Petition for Reconsideration of Waivers to Part 15 to Allow UWB Operations. Order, FCC No.00-029, Released July 14, 2000.

Remarks of Commissioner Susan Ness Before the 1999 International Ultra-Wideband Conference Washington, D.C. September 29, 1999  (As Prepared for Delivery) "Meeting the Challenge of Innovation at Internet Speed"

Comments Filed in this proceeding can be viewed at the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (you will need the docket number)

 
 
Ultra-wideband (UWB) Radio Systems ET Docket No. 98-153 Notice of Inquiry Released     September 1, 1998. 

UNII

ET Docket No. 03-122
UNII Additional Spectrum for Unlicensed

Order FCC Makes Additional Spectrum Available for Unlicensed Use., FCC, 11/14/2003 

As part of its ongoing effort to promote more flexible, innovative, and market driven uses of the radio spectrum, the FCC today made available an additional 255 megahertz of spectrum in the 5.470-5.725 GHz band for unlicensed devices. In the Report and Order approved yesterday, the Commission made the spectrum available for use by unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs), operating under Part 15 of the FCC's rules. This increases the spectrum available for use by unlicensed devices in the 5 GHz region of the spectrum by nearly 80% -- and is a significant increase in the spectrum available for unlicensed devices across the overall radio spectrum. This action will also harmonize the spectrum available for these U-NII devices throughout the world, enabling manufacturers to reduce product development costs by allowing the same products to be used in many parts of the world.The additional available spectrum for U-NII devices will enable continued growth and innovation in wireless broadband services, including services offered by wireless internet service providers (WISPs). WISPs use unlicensed devices to provide a broadband alternative for rural and underserved areas. Although they are a relatively nascent industry, their deployment rates have been increasing rapidly. In addition to making additional spectrum available for U-NII devices, the Commission also adopted several allocation changes consistent with the results of the 2003 World Radio Conference and an agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). These changes will ensure that critical Federal Government operations are protected from harmful interference. In addition to the allocation changes, to provide federal users with additional protection from harmful interference, the Order requires that U NII devices operating in the 5.250 5.350 GHz and the 5.470 5.725 GHz bands employ dynamic frequency selection (DFS) - a listen-before-talk mechanism -- and transmit power control (TPC). Action by the Commission November 12, 2003, by Report and Order (FCC 03 287). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein. Chairman Powell issuing a statement and Commissioner Abernathy issuing a separate statement. Office of Engineering and Technology contact: Ahmed Lahjouji at 2061 


Washington, DC - As part of its ongoing effort to promote more flexible, innovative, and market driven uses of the radio spectrum, the FCC today proposed to make available for unlicensed use an additional 255 megahertz of spectrum in the 5.470-5.725 GHz band.

In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) approved today, the Commission proposed that this spectrum be made available for use by unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs), operating under Part 15 of the FCC's rules.  This would increase the spectrum available for use by unlicensed devices in the 5 GHz region of the spectrum by nearly 80% -- and, it represents a significant increase in the spectrum available for unlicensed devices across the overall radio spectrum.  The Commission also proposed additional technical requirements for U-NII devices, including transition periods for implementation of these requirements.

The Commission stated that the increased capacity gained from access to this added spectrum, coupled with the ease of deployment and operational flexibility provided by our U-NII rules, will foster the development of a wide range of new and innovative unlicensed devices and lead to further wireless broadband access and investment. The Commission also noted that this action advances the policies set forth in the Spectrum Policy Task Force Report issued last fall, which specifically recommended that additional spectrum be provided for unlicensed use. 

This action responds to a petition for rulemaking filed by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA ­ now known as the Wi­Fi Alliance).  In agreement with WECA, the Commission recognized that this proposal aligns the frequency bands used by U-NII devices with those in many other parts of the world, enabling more widespread use of the same digital communications products and decreasing development costs for U.S. manufacturers.

The Commission also proposed several allocations actions consistent with both the  U.S. WRC-03 position and an agreement reached by the U.S. Department of Defense, National Air and Space Administration (NASA), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the FCC regarding the 5 GHz band.

Action by the Commission May 15, 2003, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in ET Docket No. 03-122, (FCC 03-110). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein.  Separate statements issued by Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Adelstein with joint statement issued by Commissioners Copps and Martin.

  • FCC PROPOSES ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM FOR UNLICENSED USE. Proposed making available for unlicensed us an additional 255 megahertz of spectrum in the 5.470- 5.725 GHz band.. News Release. Adopted: 05/15/2003. News Media Contact: Lauren Van Wazer 0030, FCC 5/19/03

    • ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM FOR UNLICENSED DEVICES BELOW 900 MHZ AND IN THE 3 GHZ BAND. Issued Order extending the time to file comments and reply comments. This extension of time is believed to provide beneficial information to the record in the proceeding and will not cause undue delay. (Dkt No. 02-380). Action by: Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology. Comments Due: 04/17/2003. Reply Comments Due: 05/16/2003. Adopted: 03/28/2003 by ORDER. (DA No. 03-1022). OET, FCC 4/1/03  In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) approved today, the Commission proposed that this spectrum be made available for use by unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs), operating under Part 15 of the FCC's rules.  This would increase the spectrum available for use by unlicensed devices in the 5 GHz region of the spectrum by nearly 80% -- and, it represents a significant increase in the spectrum available for unlicensed devices across the overall radio spectrum.  The Commission also proposed additional technical requirements for U-NII devices, including transition periods for implementation of these requirements.

    . . . .

    SuperNET / UNII Wireless Network Connections ET Docket No. 96-102, RM-8648, RM-8653

    "A Memorandum Opinion and Order ("MO&O") was adopted on June 17, 1998, and released June 24, 1998, addressing two Petitions for Reconsideration and a Petition for Clarification. The MO&O amend Part 15 of our rules to permit fixed, point-to-point Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure ("U-NII") devices in the 5.725-5.825 GHz band to operate with one watt ("W") maximum transmitter output power and directional antennas of up to 23 dBi gain. We also amended our rules to specify transmit power limits in the form of a logarithmic equation as a function of channel bandwidth. We also clarify our rules regarding unwanted emissions and specify these limits in terms of absolute radiated power levels. Further, this action clarifies and addresses other issues raised in the petitions regarding the operation of, and regulations
    governing, U-NII devices. 

    "On January 9, 1997, a Report and Order was adopted and released in this proceeding. The Report and Order amends Part 15 of its rules to make available 300 megahertz of spectrum at 5.15-5.35 GHz and 5.725-5.825 GHz for use by a new category of unlicensed equipment, called Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure ("U-NII") devices. These devices will provide short-range, high speed wireless digital communications on an unlicensed basis. We anticipate that U-NII devices will support the creation of new wireless local area networks ("LANs") and will facilitate wireless access to the National Information Infrastructure ("NII"). In order to permit significant flexibility in the design and operation of these devices, we are adopting the minimum technical rules necessary to prevent interference to other services and to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently. We believe that the rules set forth herein will foster the development of a broad range of new devices and communications options that will stimulate economic development and the growth of new industries. We also expect that this action will promote the ability of U.S. manufacturers, including small businesses, to compete globally by enabling them to develop unlicensed digital communications products for the world market.

    "On April 25, 1996, a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) was adopted and released May 6, 1996. Comment period for the NPRM has been established: comments due July 15, 1996, and reply comments due August 14, 1996. In the NPRM, the Commission proposed to make available 350 megahertz of spectrum at 5.15 - 5.35 GHz and 5.725 -5.875 GHz for use by a new category of unlicensed equipment, called NII/SUPERNeT devices. These devices would provide short-range, high-speed wireless digital communications on an unlicensed basis. The Commission anticipates that these NII/SUPERNet devices will support the creation of new wireless local area networks ("LANs") and will facilitate wireless access to the National Information Infrastructure ("NII")." OET Hot Topics.
     

    Released July 1999 Proceeding Closed

    AMENDMENT OF PART 15 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING SPECTRUM DEVICES ET Docket No. 99-231

    COMMISSION AMENDS PART 15 OF RULES TO FACILITATE TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGH SPEED WIRELESS SERVICES. The FCC amended its rules to allow frequency hopping spread spectrum systems in the 2.4 GHz band (2400-2483.5 MHz) to use wider hopping channels. by R&O. Action by: the Commission. Dkt No.: ET-99-231. (FCC No. 00-312) News Media Contact: 0500. OET Contact: Neal McNeil at 2408. News Release | Order

    According to Boardwatch, "The Home RF Working Group also isn't happy with its current 1 MHz frequency-hopping channels in the unlincesed 2.4 GHz spectrum, so it's petitioned the FCC to allow channel width of 5 MHz... In July 1999, the FCC issued a proposed rule change taht would implement the 5 MHz scheme.  Public comment brought a blast of criticism from the 802.11b/direct-sequence camp, charging that the interference would cause to 802.11b devices would be unacceptable.  At this writing, its not clear if the FCC will withdraw the proposal or not."  Scott Mace, The 2.4 GHz Traffic Jam, Boardwatch (July 2000).

    84. In the NPRM , we proposed to allow U-NII devices to operate on an unlicensed basis. We tentatively concluded that the low power and limited range of U-NII devices would make licensing administratively difficult for users and the Commission. Further, we noted that this spectrum may be of very limited use to licensed services due to the presence of incumbent operations. . . .

    87. Decision . We continue to believe that low power U-NII devices and associated operations are more amenable to an unlicensed structure and should be regulated under the Part 15 rules. Specifically, the rules governing U-NII devices are similar in their low power and flexible regulatory nature to those governing Part 15 devices. While some UNII devices in the upper band could have ranges of several kilometers, we believe that most devices will have typical communication ranges of a few meters to a few hundred meters. Additionally, like other existing unlicensed devices, we believe that trying to license U-NII devices individually would be administratively difficult if not impossible for both the Commission and the consumer and would greatly delay the implementation and use of this band by U-NII devices. Further, we do not think it would be advisable at this time to license spectrum blocks and large service areas to providers.