Open radio access network vendors seek an FCC policy statement and other actions supporting open networks. Call for carriers to “adopt Open RAN principles not only for the replacement of Huawei and ZTE networks, but for all 5G/LTE and commercial radio access networks in the U.S.,” said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 21-63 signed by Airspan, Altiostar, DeepSig, Mavenir, NewEdge Signal Solutions and Parallel Wireless.
The FCC Wireless Bureau granted 26 citizens broadband radio service licenses Monday won by two companies, Simple Wireless and White Cloud Communications. The priority access licenses are in Idaho and Nevada. The FCC closed the auction Aug. 25.
Union Wireless representatives told FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks that half its towers will have to be replaced or require major work to remove insecure network gear. “Because a new network must first be installed before old equipment can be removed, Union must confront wind loading issues, tower space limitations, and permitting requirements,” said a filing posted Monday in docket 18-89. Union estimated it could take four or more years to complete.
Verizon representatives said they're focused on quick deployment in the C band and asked for help on the clearinghouse, in calls with FCC International Bureau and Office of General Counsel staff. “While we know the auction winners cannot provide funding until the overlay licenses are granted, we urged the Commission to support the Clearinghouse in their efforts to fully develop the process for funding clearing costs as soon as possible,” said a filing posted Monday in docket 18-122: “This includes finalizing the Handbook, templates for funding requests and invoices, and any necessary legal agreements between the overlay licensees and the Clearinghouse.”
The FCC Wireless Bureau approved a conditional waiver allowing the NFL to continue to operate its coach-to-coach communications system in the citizens broadband radio service band in the “limited circumstance” of an internet outage at stadiums during games. The league must have a “valid and active authorization” from a spectrum access system operator, said Friday's order. The league must use "at least two independent, unaffiliated” ISPs “with separate physical connections at each NFL stadium throughout the season,” it said.
T-Mobile is partnering with driverless car company Halo in Las Vegas, using the carrier’s 5G network. A customer orders the car, which shows up without a driver, for travel to a destination, said the companies Thursday. Halo has operated on the T-Mobile 5G network since it began driving on public Las Vegas roads earlier this year, they said.
Wireless ISP Association President Claude Aiken spoke with Commissioner Brendan Carr on WISPA supporting FCC efforts "to make broadband mapping more accurate and more granular,” said a filing posted Thursday in docket 20-34. “Developing accurate data about ‘where broadband is and is not’ is a necessary first step before awarding subsidies.”
The Utilities Technology Council, Edison Electric Institute and Southern Co. urged the FCC to pause further certification for unlicensed equipment in the 6 GHz band, pending further interference testing, in a call with aides to acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “The probability of interference to licensed microwave systems and the risk to the safety, security, and reliability of critical infrastructure energy and water utilities, as well as public safety and commercial communications systems which rely on 6 GHz microwave systems is simply too great,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 18-295.
Comments are due Aug. 6, replies Aug. 23, in docket 21-282 on Gogo Business Aviation's requested waiver of effective radiated power limits for air-to-ground operations in the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz bands, said an FCC Wireless Bureau public notice Wednesday. The bureau said Gogo claims it needs the waiver for transition to an orthogonal frequency division multiplex technology system that will improve coverage, reliability and throughput for inflight connectivity in North America.
Incompas and the Computer & Communications Industry Association urged the FCC to “follow the robust record” and open 12 GHz for terrestrial mobile. This "would accelerate mobile market competition" and "strengthen America’s 5G edge,” they said. “This action would in no way undermine the utilization of the 12 GHz spectrum band for satellite services and would protect incumbents from interference.” Replies were due later Wednesday in docket 20-443.