Commenters Disagree on Need for FCC to Move Quickly on AeroMACS Proposal
The Aerospace Industries Association raised concerns about a WiMAX Forum petition asking the FCC to launch an NPRM on service rules for the aeronautical mobile airport communications system (AeroMACS). Other companies supported the petition. “AIA is a vigorous proponent of…
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the NextGen program that the Federal Aviation Administration is undertaking to modernize our nation’s airspace,” the group commented in RM-11793. “AeroMACS, which will benefit the safety and regularity of flight, is a key part of that program and many of our members have strong interest in its success.” But AIA also said the FCC shouldn’t act hastily: “It would be premature to rush a proceeding that will impact aviation safety, infrastructure investments, and product development cycles for decades, as there is substantial detail for which interested stakeholders must agree." Lockheed Martin also raised concerns, saying it's "deeply concerned about the impact on the ability to access the same C-band spectrum for Aeronautical Mobile Telemetry (AMT) operations in support of critical flight testing -- whether by Lockheed Martin or other aerospace industry sector members. In this context, we advocate a balanced spectrum use approach, including an opportunity for testing of system compatibility to be conducted in the United States.” Equipment maker Airtel said many AeroMACS providers are waiting for the FCC to act. “The widespread and expeditious deployment of AeroMACS holds the potential to bring significant benefits to American airports, air travelers, and equipment manufacturers,” Airtel said. The FCC should therefore "move quickly" to adopt an NPRM on services rules for AeroMACS. Equipment maker Symnatec also urged the FCC to act, as did solutions provider Telrad Networks. The WiMAX Forum proposed AeroMACS spectrum be shared between federal and nongovernment users under a memorandum of agreement to be negotiated between the NTIA, on behalf of federal users, and a private entity to be designated by the FCC (see 1707190033). The spectrum is in the 5000-5030 MHz and 5091-5150 MHz bands.