FCC Spells Out Eagerly Sought 6 GHz Details, to Explore Higher Power
The FCC will allow indoor operations over the full 1,200 megahertz of 6 GHz, without automated frequency control and at power levels lower than what the cable industry and others sought, said a draft order released Thursday. As expected, the FCC will regulate indoor use on a power-spectral density (PSD) basis (see 2004010065). The draft proposed these devices be limited to 5 dBm/MHz radiated PSD, lower than the 8 dBm/MHz sought by cable and others (see 2003260049). Industry officials said that means less throughput for devices using the wide channels. The draft proposes higher limits for outdoor devices using AFC.
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The regulator also posted a draft NPRM and order on a rural 5G fund. Chairman Ajit Pai will speak Monday during a 1 p.m. webcast hosted by New America’s Open Technology Institute on “Wi-Fi's Role in the 5G Wireless Ecosystem.”
An accompanying Further NPRM asks whether to allow higher power levels, up to 8 dBm/MHz, for indoor devices. The FCC also plans to ask about use of very low-power devices outdoors. “The proponents for very low power unlicensed devices have made a compelling case,” the FCC says: “These devices can usher in new ways that Americans work, play, and live by enabling applications that can provide large quantities of information in near real-time.” Industry officials were examining the item.
The document recognizes but disagrees with 6 GHz incumbents who pushed for stricter limits on low-power devices. The proposals were “designed to address incumbents’ stated requirements regarding reliable service as well as the increasing need for spectrum for innovative uses,” the FCC said. “5 dBm/MHz PSD will both adequately protect all incumbents in the band as well as offer enough power to unlicensed devices,” the draft says: “At this power limit and with the other constraints imposed on these operations, we find the risk of harmful interference to incumbent operations to be insignificant.”
The FCC proposes opening the entire 6 GHz band for unlicensed indoor low-power access points: “By authorizing use of the entire 6 GHz band for this type of use, we provide opportunities for unlicensed operations to use up to 320-megahertz channels to expand capacity and performance capabilities. This forward-looking action anticipates the next generation of unlicensed devices.”
The FCC rejects a request by CTIA, Verizon and others to consider setting aside the part of the band for 5G licensed use. That "would undermine our goal of creating significant new opportunities for unlicensed operations across the 6 GHz band, and would run contrary to our approach in ensuring that existing incumbent services can continue to thrive in the 6 GHz band.”
The FCC wouldn't allow standard-power and low-power indoor access points in spectrum for devices in motion, except in large passenger aircraft above 10,000 feet: “We decline to permit operation in vehicles because of the potential for increasing interference to incumbent services.” Also forbidden is use on drones. “Unmanned aircraft systems pose similar issues as other vehicles with the added complication of operating at significant height, and we have no technical bases in the record to enable us to evaluate potential harmful interference concerns posed by these systems,” the draft said.
The FCC doesn't propose specific provisions for ultra-wideband and wideband devices. As they "operate under Part 15 unlicensed rules, taking such action would effectively provide those devices with a level of interference protection to which they are not entitled,” the draft says.
Taxpayers Protection Alliance President David Williams praised the draft rules. “Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans working from home are relying on fast, reliable WiFi connections,” Williams said: “Even after this crisis has abated, demand for WiFi and home internet services will continue to climb.”
“The wide channels in the 6 GHz band will allow consumers and businesses to take full advantage of the next generation of wireless technology,” blogged Cisco Vice President-Government Affairs Jeff Campbell: Wi-Fi there “will enable better video for virtual learning. It means more connected devices in telemedicine. It means a more productive and agile remote workforce.”
“The nationwide coronavirus shut-in has exposed the urgent need to connect every community, especially those in hard to reach areas,” said Francella Ochillo, Next Century Cities executive director: Municipalities "waiting for fixed broadband connections could immediately benefit.”
Some wish the federal agency would explore some licensing here. “While the FCC has done a remarkable job freeing up critical licensed spectrum for 5G, the United States faces a growing mid-band deficit,” said CTIA Executive Vice President Brad Gillen. Don’t “give away the full 1200 MHz," he said, "and further limit our few remaining options.”
“Other countries are far ahead of the U.S. in identifying and assigning licensed mid-band spectrum,” emailed Mark Racek, Ericsson senior director-spectrum policy. “Licensed spectrum in the upper 6 GHz band is necessary to ensure U.S. 5G leadership by facilitating new wireless applications and services." The company "recognizes the need for a mix of both licensed and unlicensed,” he added.
The FCC released a draft on a proposed 5G rural USF auction. The commission released the key details Wednesday on what would be proposed.
“T-Mobile has committed to deploying 5G service to 99% of Americans within six years, including covering 90% of those living in rural America within that timeframe,” the draft says. “Even with these significant deployment commitments, some rural areas [could] remain where there is insufficient financial incentive for mobile wireless carriers to invest in 5G-capable networks, and those communities could be excluded from the technological and economic benefits of 5G for years.”