The FCC Wireless Bureau extended by 14 days, until Nov. 15, the deadline for filing replies on a mid-band spectrum notice of inquiry. The Wi-Fi Alliance, Telecommunications Industry Association, Dynamic Spectrum Alliance and Wireless ISP Association jointly asked for delay last week, citing the many comments (see 1710100065). “While it is the policy of the Commission that extensions shall not be routinely granted, based on the record before us, we are persuaded in this case that granting a 14-day extension will serve the public interest,” the bureau said in docket 17-183. Wireless industry officials told us FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is eager to move forward on the item because the agency sees mid-band spectrum as critical to 5G.

The Competitive Carriers Association said ATN International joined the CCA Device Hub, which with association member Sprint helps carriers "more efficiently and economically manage their device portfolios,” CCA said.

Two new models “tailored" to women will mark Fossil’s launch of its “smallest hybrid” smartwatches when they debut Oct. 22, said a Tuesday announcement, letting users “discreetly” get incoming smartphone notifications with vibrations and watch hand animations plus track fitness goals.

Nextlink Wireless filed an updated FCC report saying the 32 GHz band can be used safely for 5G without harming radio astronomy service, earth exploration satellite service or space research service operations in the neighboring 31.3-31.8 GHz band. Reed Engineering developed the report. Nextlink said a T-Mobile study reached similar conclusion. The studies "provide concrete evidence that next-generation mobile wireless services can coexist with passive band services in the 31.3-31.8 GHz band,” Nextlink said in docket 14-177. The band is one of those explored in a July 2016 Further NPRM (see 1607140052). Commissioners are expected to take up an order allocating more high-frequency bands for 5G as early as their November meeting (see 1710100063).

Qualcomm’s labs in San Diego demonstrated the world’s first announced 5G data connection on a Snapdragon X50 5G modem chipset for mobile devices, the company said in a Tuesday announcement. The demo achieved 1 GB speeds and a data connection in the 28 GHz band, “driving a new generation of cellular technology forward while accelerating the delivery of 5G NR enabled mobile devices to consumers,” Qualcomm said. The company previewed its first 5G “reference design” to enable the testing and “optimization” of 5G technology “within the power and form-factor constraints of a smartphone.” The Snapdragon X50 5G NR modem family is expected to support commercial launches of 5G smartphones and networks in the first half of 2019, Qualcomm said. Meanwhile, it will work with Verizon and Novatel on 5G NR mmWave technology development and over-the-air field trials, the companies said in a separate Tuesday announcement, based on the 5G NR Release-15 specifications being developed by 3rd Generation Partnership Project -- the global 5G standard. "The companies plan to work together to help move the mobile ecosystem towards faster validation and commercialization of 5G NR mmWave technologies at scale, supporting a full-scale commercial network deployment before the end of the decade," they said.

The Wireless Infrastructure Association said Tuesday it's consolidating its annual spring trade show and fall HetNet Expo. The new Connectivity Expo or Connect (X) debuts May 21-24 at Charlotte Convention Center. “Wireless infrastructure and automotive to smart cities and commercial real estate” will be represented, WIA said.

Microsoft President Brad Smith spoke on the phone with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel asking for clarity on TV white spaces rules. “Mr. Smith noted the importance of preserving sufficient spectrum below 700 MHz for TV White Spaces operations, and at a minimum in the near term, asked for the quick resolution of the petitions for reconsideration,” said a filing in docket 16-56.

The FCC sought comment by Oct. 24 on a DOJ request for wireless numbering information to assist its monitoring of mobile carrier competition and "any future" antitrust investigations (see 1710130007). The information includes Numbering Resource Utilization and Forecast reports filed by wireless carriers since December 2015 and wireless local number portability data since January 2016, said a public notice in docket 99-200 and Monday's Daily Digest.

Performing arts groups are asking the FCC to move forward on a rule change so smaller users can operate wireless microphones in TV white spaces spectrum. The FCC is looking at whether to expand the eligibility for Part 74 licenses to include professional wireless mic users that don't routinely use 50 or more mics (see 1710030020). “Professional performing arts organizations hold thousands of performances each year, and wireless microphones are essential to producing high-quality performances while mitigating significant public safety concerns,” The Cleveland Orchestra replied in docket 14-165. “Professional wireless capability, with successful interference protection, is essential to our sector.” The Houston Ballet said, even as a dance company, wireless mics and communications devices are needed for its productions. Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., said because of the prohibition of wireless mics in the 700 MHz band, it spent $60,000 replacing and retuning identical equipment in the 518-578 MHz band. “As a not-for-profit arts organization, Arena Stage was not only affected financially by this ban, but has been required to restructure artistically,” the group commented.

Partial economic area (PEA) or other larger license sizes would mean carriers are the only ones likely to buy priority access licenses (PALs) in the 3.5 GHz, Citizens Broadband Radio Service band, said Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Program at New America, in a meeting with an aide to Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. Commissioners are to consider an NPRM proposing larger license sizes and other changes to the citizens broadband radio service rules at their Oct. 24 meeting, with Democrats skeptical of changes (see 1710120009). The Los Angeles PEA covers the entire metropolitan area, includes Riverside County and extends to the Nevada border, Calabrese said in a filing in docket 17-258. “It would be far easier for carriers to assemble larger contiguous areas by acquiring census tracts than it would be for hundreds or thousands of other potential users noted above to either win a PEA or county license at auction,” Calabrese said. “Subleasing small areas of spectrum from a big mobile carrier, through a secondary market transaction, is unrealistic both because of high transaction costs and because carriers have a disincentive to allow competitors with or substitutes for their services to access spectrum at a reasonable price.” The Wireless ISP Association, meanwhile, said the FCC should keep the current rules in place. A plan backed by Commissioner Mike O’Rielly “and the mobile industry would overturn pro-innovation rules adopted unanimously by the FCC -- twice -- in 2014 and 2015,” WISPA said in a Monday statement. “Dozens of companies are already making significant investments in the CBRS band, counting on the current rules.” WISPA also urged the FCC to approve the Broadband Access Coalition’s proposal for the 3.7-4.2 GHz band (see 1706210044). “Under mobile industry pressure, the FCC is prioritizing a much broader and more time-consuming review of multiple spectrum bands, which would lead to years of regulatory delay and no near-term progress for rural America,” WISPA said.