Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 08:11:13 -0800
Reply-To: Telecom Regulation & the Internet
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sender: Telecom Regulation & the Internet
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
From: Robert Cannon <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: RFP :: FCC :: Wireless :: Additional Unlicensed Spectrum (WIFI)
Comments: To: CyberTelecom Announce <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Status: RO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Media Contact:
December 11, 2002
Lisa Gaisford at (202)
418-7280
FCC BEGINS INQUIRY REGARDING ADDITIONAL
SPECTRUM FOR UNLICENSED DEVICES
As part of the ongoing effort to promote efficient use
of spectrum, the FCC today asked for public comment on
the possibility of permitting unlicensed transmitters
to operate in additional frequency bands. Such
changes could allow the development of new and
innovative types of unlicensed devices. This inquiry
examines new and creative ways to utilize the spectrum
resource more efficiently by considering new spectral
frontiers for unlicensed use.
In a Notice of Inquiry approved today, the Commission
stated that the current rules for unlicensed
transmitters have been a tremendous success. A wide
variety of devices have been developed and introduced
under those rules for consumer and business use,
including cordless telephones, home security systems,
electronic toys, anti-pilfering and inventory control
systems, and computer wireless local area networks.
The success of those rules shows that there could be
significant benefits to the economy, businesses and
consumers in making additional spectrum available for
unlicensed transmitters. Unlicensed transmitters may
be operated under the provisions of Part 15 of the
Commission's Rules. Part 15 transmitters generally
operate on frequencies shared with authorized services
at relatively low power, levels and must operate on a
non-interference basis.
The Notice seeks comments on whether unlicensed
operations should be permitted in additional frequency
bands. Specifically, it seeks comments on the
feasibility of allowing unlicensed devices to operate
in the TV broadcast spectrum and locations and times
when spectrum is not being used. It also seeks
comment on the feasibility of permitting unlicensed
devices to operate in other bands, such as the
3650-3700 MHz band, at power levels higher than other
unlicensed transmitters with only the minimal
technical requirements necessary to prevent
interference to licensed services.
The Commission noted that there have been significant
advances in technology that may make it feasible to
design new types of unlicensed devices that are able
to share spectrum in the TV bands without causing
interference to licensed services operating in those
bands. Advances in computer technology make it
possible to design equipment that could monitor the
spectrum to detect frequencies already in use and
ensure that transmissions only occur on open
frequencies. The low cost of GPS equipment could
allow a device to determine its location and use
information from a database to determine whether there
are any licensed operations in its vicinity.
Equipment can be designed that is frequency agile,
with the capability of changing frequency as needed to
avoid interference to licensed users.
Action by the Commission December 11, 2002 by Notice
of Inquiry (FCC 02-328). Chairman Powell,
Commissioners Abernathy and Copps, with Commissioner
Martin approving in part and dissenting in part,
Commissioner Adelstein not participating and Chairman
Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps and Martin
issuing separate statements.
OET Docket No. 02-380
- FCC -
Office of Engineering & Technology Contact: Hugh L.
Van Tuyl (202) 418-7506
=====
~ Washington Internet Project ~
~ www.cybertelecom.org ~
~ cannon(at)cybertelecom.org ~
__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.
http://mailplus.yahoo.com
--
=======================
Joe Plotkin
DSL/Marketing
Bway.net - NYC's Best Internet
=======================
Bway.net
459 Broadway, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10013
vox: 212.982.9800
fax: 212.982.5499
efax: 561.365.5877
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
xDSL info: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
web: http://www.bway.net
=======================
Fight the Monopoly!
http://www.TeleTruth.org
=======================
--
NYCwireless - http://www.nycwireless.net/
Un/Subscribe: http://lists.nycwireless.net/mailman/listinfo/nycwireless/
Archives: http://lists.nycwireless.net/pipermail/nycwireless/
