FCC approves proceedings to explore spectrum options
FCC commissioners today unanimously approved three items designed to make more-efficient use of valuable spectrum, including proposals to consider channel sharing by television broadcasters, incentive auctions and provide greater flexibility to researchers testing next-generation technologies such as cognitive radios.
Throughout the past year, the FCC has expressed the need to clear at least 500 MHz of radio airwaves for emerging wireless communications technologies that have blossomed during the past decade. Today’s notices are tangible evidence of the agency’s commitment to achieve that goal, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said.
“If we don’t act to update our spectrum policies for the 21st century, we’re going to run into a wall — a spectrum crunch that will stifle American innovation and economic growth and cost us the opportunity to lead the world in mobile communications,” Genachowski said during the meeting.
In a notice of proposed rulemaking, the FCC proposes rules that would allow for voluntary broadcast spectrum auctions — also known as incentive auctions — and also explore the possibility of TV stations voluntarily combining their operations onto a single channel, thereby freeing spectrum for use by commercial wireless operators. The notice seeks comments on new allocations of such spectrum for both fixed and mobile wireless services in spectrum currently used by TV broadcasters.
In addition, the commission approved a notice of proposed rulemaking that would revamp the FCC’s existing experimental radio service rules to provide greater flexibility to those attempting to develop new wireless technologies. Currently, such experimental licenses are granted with strict parameters that require developers to file a new application with the FCC if the scope of the research is altered.
Under the new proposal, “program licenses” would be created for researchers and developers to use spectrum without having to return to the agency for a new license as often.
Complementing this action was approval of a notice of inquiry that would seek comments on what policies should be used to govern radios that dynamically access available spectrum, such as cognitive radios currently being developed by the military.
“Historically, the U.S. has led the world in spectrum-policy innovation,” Genachowski said. “Auctions of licensed spectrum and the release of unlicensed spectrum … are two key examples of groundbreaking spectrum-policy innovation that was developed and implemented in the United States.
“I believe incentive auctions are a third major spectrum-policy innovation. I would like to set a goal for this proceeding, that it lead to yet another historically significant spectrum-policy innovation.”
