The Computer & Communications Industry Association, Incompas, Open Technology Institute at New America and Public Knowledge asked the FCC to delay by 30 days comment and reply deadlines for the 12 GHz NPRM from April 7/May 7. “The questions posed involve factual, legal and technical issues that take time to address -- especially for organizations that represent an array of interests and that also have been working diligently on the implementation of COVID-19-relief programs that are critical for the nation,” said Friday's posting in docket 20-443. The NPRM “raises substantial technical, legal, and policy issues that require thorough analyses from engineers, lawyers, and consultants on the feasibility of various sharing and coordination frameworks,” they said.

AT&T urged the FCC to act on a June CTIA and USTelecom petition seeking relief on pro forma filings (see 2006050039), said a posting Thursday in docket 20-186. AT&T said it reviewed the data on all pro forma applications filed in the universal licensing system in 2020. It found the three major national wireless carriers generated 17% and “the remaining unique file numbers included other communications businesses, but also state/local governments, individuals, educational institutions, healthcare providers and public safety.”

NTIA sought applications by April 16 from those interested in being on the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee, said Wednesday's Federal Register.

Global smartphone shipments fell 8.5% last year, reported ABI Research Wednesday. 5G helped prop up sales with a diverse range of handsets and a “rapid rush” to lower-priced models, said analyst Khin Sandi Lynn. ABI forecasts the 5G smartphone market will grow at a 43% compound annual growth rate to pass 1.1 billion units in 2025, accounting for 73% of all smartphone sales.

Pause equipment certification approvals for 6 GHz unlicensed low-power indoor (LPI) access points, CTIA representatives urged in a call with Ron Repasi, chief of the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology. CTIA provided “prima facie evidence” in a recent report "that even 6 GHz LPI operations in compliance with the existing rules will cause harmful interference to incumbent users,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 17-183.

Tesla representatives spoke with staff from the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology on a waiver request from last year to permit marketing a short-range interactive motion-sensing device in the 60-64 GHz band at a higher power level than specified in rules (see 2008200027). “Tesla clarified that the subject device may be installed in any vehicle that Tesla currently produces or plans to produce,” said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 20-264. It cited possibilities for “child detection, occupant classification for advanced airbag deployment, seat belt reminders, intrusion detection and driver vitals monitoring.”

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance supports Virginia State Police's request to increase limits on its Part 22 transmitter power output for its mobile transmitters from 60 watts to 100 watts, using a maximum effective radiated power of 150 watts (see 2102120054), said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 20-241. EWA urged the FCC to "reconcile the Part 22, Subpart E rules with the rules governing Part 90, an issue raised more than six years ago." Action “likely would have eliminated the need for the instant Waiver Request,” the alliance said. Comments were due Monday, and EWA was the only filer.

Delay the Lifeline marketplace report until after the FCC has a chance to assess the emergency broadband benefit program, T-Mobile said in a call with an aide to acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “The EBB Program presents a unique opportunity for the Commission to evaluate low-income offerings available to consumers when there is less red tape for providers and the monthly discount is up to $50 per month,” said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 20-437: “The results of the EBB Program could serve as the foundation for any Lifeline reforms.” T-Mobile hasn't said whether it plans to participate in EBB, for which it previously expressed support (see 2103040049).

The FCC is updating an existing system of records, FCC/WTB-7, effective Tuesday, says that day's Federal Register. The Wireless Bureau uses the information “to record and process requests for assistance from individuals or groups in connection with FCC systems, research tools, electronic databases, licenses, authorizations, and registrations,” the notice says. The FCC also seeks comments on the system’s routine uses, due April 15. The FCC updated the system to add new sections, including “Reporting to a Consumer Reporting Agency, to address valid and overdue debts owed by individuals to the FCC under the Debt Collection Act,” the notice says.

Now that all 800 MHz licensees have been relocated to replacement channels (see 2103030061), “lift the almost eight-year freeze on the availability of Expansion Band (815-816/860-861 MHz) and Guard Band (816-817/861-862 MHz) frequencies" in the Mexican border region, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance urged the FCC. “This spectrum has been long-awaited by EWA members and other land mobile entities with a need for 800 MHz capacity,” said a filing posted Monday in docket 02-55.