Wireless Weekly reports that the FCC, in its monthly meeting today, voted to begin making rules for wireless broadband operation between 3650 MHz and 3700 MHz. The proposed rules are aimed at wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) looking to broaden their backhaul and access in “sparsely populated areas,” according to the FCC.

The new rules would use unlicensed spectrum that’s currently licensed for fixed satellite services, but any interference would be minimal says the FCC. Unlicensed users also would be required to use cognitive or “smart” radio technology that further prevents interference. The proposal would allow transmissions at power levels higher than currently permitted for Part 15 unlicensed devices.

Ed Thomas, chief of the FCC’s office of engineering and technology, said the additional unlicensed spectrum also was chosen to complement unlicensed spectrum in 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. “Some radio manufacturers are making devices that could operate in all three bands,” he said, broadening WISP capabilities even further in the future.

The Satellite Industry Association has been has been against the FCC’s plan, arguing in a filing with the FCC in April of 2003 (pdf) that disruption of the communications links would result:

“SIA’s technical analysis demonstrates that unlicensed devices of one watt or higher operating in the 3650-3700 MHz band will be expected to cause harmful interference to…FSS downlinks absent relatively large exclusion zones that would effectively prohibit unlicensed operations in large portions of the country, and that unlicensed devices could share the 3650-3700 MHz band with the FSS without imposing large exclusion zones only if operating at extremely low and commercially unattractive power levels. Accordingly, the SIA opposes permitting unlicensed devices to operate in the 3650-3700 MHz band regardless of power level.”

About 100 satellite earth stations—mostly located on the East and West Coasts—are licensed in the 3650 MHz band. The FCC said wireless Internet service providers could use cognitive technology to safeguard against harmful interference to fixed satellite links.

The FCC’s press release (pdf) says:

Non-fixed, unlicensed devices would be subject to “listen before- talk” requirements that would detect the presence of any FSS earth station in the vicinity, and make an appropriate decision of whether to transmit and to make appropriate adjustments to the transmit power.

Unlicensed devices would also be required to emit a standardized identification signal which would possibly provide contact information, as well as location. That signal would allow easy identification of possible sources if interference arises.

Posted by Sam Churchill on Thursday, April 15th, 2004 at 8:20 am.