Key NTIA Spectrum Committee Starts Work, But Future Remains Uncertain
NTIA’s Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee held its initial meeting under the Trump administration Wednesday with 10 new members, but an uncertain future. A top NTIA official said at the meeting the incentive auction raises some big questions about future spectrum demands. NTIA also forecast that the spectrum needs of the IoT are likely to be a big area for future CSMAC work, and took another band off the table for sharing.
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The administration hasn't appointed an administrator to replace Larry Strickling, who left with the end of the Obama administration, we're told. Deputy Administrator Angela Simpson also left, as did spokeswoman Juliana Gruenwald, now at the FTC. House Commerce aide Dave Redl and Senate Commerce aide David Quinalty are considered the front-runners for NTIA administrator (see 1701110058), but industry officials said Wednesday they're hearing little new on administration plans.
Paige Atkins, associate administrator for spectrum, a holdover from the Obama administration, told CSMAC the results of the TV incentive auction show assumptions about spectrum can be wrong. “One thing we should be able to acknowledge is that advances in technology and continuously evolving business models mean that our assumptions become outdated over time.” Atkins said. The wireless industry long sought more sub-3 GHz spectrum, she said. “However, mobile networks are evolving to support very high bandwidth, high-volume applications, placing greater emphasis on higher-band spectrum.”
The auction reached its final stage last week, allowing it to close, though bidding continues. The auction had $18.5 billion in bids as of the end of bidding Jan. 18, an amount far less than many predicted when the auction opened last year (see 1701190041). The auction shifts another 84 MHz of low-band spectrum to wireless broadband, bringing the total repurposed to 329 MHz since 2010, Atkins said.
Atkins also said NTIA decided the 1300-1350 MHz band isn't suitable for sharing because of federal systems in the spectrum, including long-range surveillance systems. The administration is looking at other bands, using the same tool used in that analysis, she said. “We now have an automated, internal capability that allows us to more effectively and graphically understand federal spectrum use.”
NTIA reported on its new analytical tool in a November blog post. “A multi-agency initiative is underway exploring the feasibility of making changes to the Federal Aviation Administration's long-range radars operating in the 1300-1350 MHz sub-band that could include relocating them to another band,” NTIA said then. “While it is too early in the process to reach conclusions, relocation of these radars from the band would likely significantly improve the potential for sharing.”
With both the administrator and deputy administrator positions open, Len Bechtel is effectively acting administrator though he hasn't been so designated. He briefly addressed CSMAC. “I may be here only one meeting,” Bechtel said. “At some point, a new [administrator] will be nominated by the Trump administration and we will have new leadership at NTIA. What that means for NTIA and CSMAC is yet to be seen.”
Time of Change
Glenn Reynolds, NTIA chief of staff, also welcomed CSMAC members. “Amidst all this change … I believe there’s nothing but continuity with respect to CSMAC itself,” he said. CSMAC has been helpful to NTIA and the administration in a number of areas, he said. In his confirmation hearing last week, commerce secretary nominee Wilbur Ross left little doubt that spectrum will remain a big focus of the department (see 1701180069), Reynolds said. Some issues before CSMAC, including incentives for more efficient federal use of spectrum and 5G standards, were raised during the Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Reynolds said.
“By bringing together a group of smart, influential leaders, representing a variety of viewpoints, CSMAC has been an essential element in helping reshape how we’re going to approach spectrum management in the U.S.,” Reynolds said. “We are building a process, based on sound technical analysis, to balance a variety of spectrum uses for the public’s benefit. Sharing is clearly a part of the legacy and a pillar for the future and the work of CSMAC will continue to inform those efforts.”
Atkins also updated other spectrum issues. NTIA had to pull the plug on the possibility of Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use of the 5350-5475 MHz band, she said, a decision revealed by Strickling in December (see 1612160041). The agency had to look at whether sharing was possible without degrading the performance of “critical” federal radar systems, Atkins said. “Unfortunately, the methodical analysis we conducted … led us to include that there is no feasible path forward to share this band.” Few who were part of the analysis were surprised, she said. “The stakeholders on all sides knew that we had high hurdles to overcome, but we wanted to exhaust all of the options,” Atkins said. While a “setback,” the analysis “shows that our process is rigorous and it works,” she said. “It is fundamental that all stakeholders have faith and confidence that we will run an objective process.”
5.9 GHz Band
NTIA continues to work with the FCC and Department of Transportation on potential unlicensed use of the 5.9 GHz band (see 1701040044), Atkins said. “We also remain committed to identifying additional spectrum for unlicensed use.” Work continues on opening the 3.5 GHz band for shared use (see 1612220046), Atkins said. The approach “maximizes the use of the band,” she said. “Despite a complex framework, government and industry stakeholders are making great strides as they work hard to put this valuable mid-band spectrum to use.”
A lot of work remains for CSMAC, Atkins said. The emergence of drones, connected cars and the IoT in general raises big spectrum issues, she said. “We recognize the need for low-, mid- and high-band spectrum,” she said. “As we prepare for the innovations of 5G … we need to understand the growth in the demand for spectrum. It’s not limited to commercial and consumer use.”
Spectrum sharing must remain a CSMAC focus, Atkins said. The Trump administration hasn't stated a clear position on sharing versus exclusive-use spectrum and some industry, and government observers expect the new administration to take a different view than the Obama administration (see 1611180037).
“There really is no longer any question that [sharing] has to be part of the solution and a major part,” Atkins said. Enforcement will also be critical, Atkins said. “As the airwaves become more congested, we need to develop and enforce minimal technical rules to protect against unauthorized, harmful interference,” she said. “Automated enforcement approaches make a lot of sense, but will require increased investment to develop techniques, technologies and tools.”
Agencies also are finding new uses for spectrum, Atkins reminded members. “Think of ensuring safety for you and your family,” she said. “I ask you to remember in your deliberations throughout the next few years that we must have balanced spectrum policy.”
Most of CSMAC’s work is done in subcommittees. Officials said they plan to form new subcommittees in February, with meetings to start in March and final reports due the fourth and final CSMAC meeting of the year. Dates of the next CSMAC meetings haven't been set.