Receiver Standards, Wireless Emergency Alerts Headline FCC's April 21 Meeting
FCC commissioners will tackle a notice of inquiry on receiver standards at their April 21 meeting, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said Wednesday. The only other item she discussed is a Further NPRM on wireless emergency alerts. The NOI wasn’t a surprise -- Rosenworcel told the Mobile World Congress in a recent speech it was on the way (see 2203010070).
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“We’re taking an important step in innovative spectrum management,” Rosenworcel said. “In the past, the FCC’s discussions of spectrum efficiency have been a one-way effort, focusing almost exclusively on transmitters,” she said: “I’m proposing that the Commission take a fresh look at how receiver improvements could provide greater opportunities for efficient use of spectrum.”
If approved, the NOI “would explore how to promote these improvements through incentives, guidelines, or regulatory requirements,” Rosenworcel said: “It would also seek comment on legal authority and market-based mechanisms that could help create a more transparent and predictable radiofrequency environment for all spectrum users -- new and old.”
Commissioner Nathan Simington has made receiver standards one of his top issues (see 2106160052), calling it “fraught” for the FCC (see 2109100068). Rosenworcel thanked him for his advocacy. Simington didn't comment.
The issue has been before the FCC for 20 years. Ten years ago, the agency’s Technological Advisory Council recommended creating a multistakeholder group to oversee voluntary receiver standards and interference limits (see 1212110059). It also was raised in 2002 by the Spectrum Policy Task Force (see 0206070045) under then-Chairman Michael Powell.
The second item is an FNPRM on improving emergency alerts. “When it comes to public safety, Wireless Emergency Alerts have been a game-changer, harnessing the power of mobile phones to help us receive targeted, real-time information about imminent threats,” Rosenworcel said: “This April will mark 10 years since the first WEA was sent. To make sure this tool is even more effective in the future, the Commission will consider a proposal to require enhanced reporting on the reliability, speed, and accuracy of their WEA service, and seek comment on further improvements to WEA.”
Commissioners will also be asked to vote on two adjudicatory matters from the Media Bureau and an item from the Enforcement Bureau. Commissioners must approve them at the meeting before details are released.