Commissioners Approve 60 GHz, Call Blocking Items With Minimal Changes

The 60 GHz order adopts proposals in a July 2021 Further NPRM (see 2107130066) to permit mobile field disturbance sensors to operate throughout the band and clarify that radars are a type of FDS operation. It also adopts rules for devices other than pulse radars, based on an industry consensus agreement and rules for pulse radars, based on another agreement. The FCC had issued numerous waivers allowing more use of the spectrum.

Radars are no longer “just for tracking planes and measuring weather patterns,” Rosenworcel said. “The odds are we will see this technology used for real-time traffic management that can reduce roadway congestion,” she said: “We also may see this technology used to make our devices more accessible through gesture controls, which could be a game changer for those with limited mobility.”

As a result of early waivers from this agency, 60 GHz is already being used “to monitor for children left in hot cars, triggering alerts that can save their lives,” Rosenworcel said. “We are seeing the development of radar-based breathing systems that help keep a safe watch over premature infants in neonatal intensive care units,” she said. Unlicensed proponents, drone, robotics and automotive companies “all worked together to find a path forward,” she said.

“It’s one of those items where you can see very clearly some of the near-term benefits and innovations [from] what we’re doing,” said Commissioner Brendan Carr. The order opens possibilities “that we really only vaguely understand,” he said. Carr called it “a good item, a forward-looking item.”

The rules adopted “reflect extensive industry cooperation, coordination and consensus that will facilitate the deployment of new technologies in the 60 GHz band,” said Commissioner Nathan Simington. “It’s a smart and timely response to engineering innovation and the creation of new capabilities,” he said.

Commissioners also adopted an order, FNPRM, and notice of inquiry on curbing illegal robocalls (see 2305160071). Among the order's requirements are a 24-hour deadline for responding to traceback requests and all providers being subject to mandatory call blocking requirements. "If you are tired of us developing new ways to combat robocalls, rest assured that I am tired of being in this business," Rosenworcel said. The FCC is "simply not going to stop until we get this junk off the line," she said.

"With all traffic subject to our call blocking rules, bad actors should no longer be able to hide within the call path," said Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. The proposed base forfeiture for failing to block illegal calls is also a "strong, proven incentive," Starks said. The FNPRM will also seek comment on requiring that terminating providers offer analytics-based call blocking. Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau staff told reporters no major changes were made to the final item.

USTelecom, which leads the industry traceback consortium, welcomed the item. Expanding the traceback requirement to all providers will "bolster industry, FCC, and law enforcement efforts to trace -- and stop -- the bad actors behind illegal robocalls," said CEO Jonathan Spalter.

An item is under circulation on another waiver of the Connect America Fund budget control mechanism for rural cost-based broadband loop support and high-cost loop support recipients, Rosenworcel confirmed. The current waiver is to expire in June (see 2205100072). Rosenworcel also told reporters the commission expects to release the next iteration of its broadband availability maps May 30. Carr emphasized the need for the next iteration to be as accurate as possible to prevent overbuilding from federal broadband investments.