The FCC is seeking feedback on the 2155-2180 MHz band for nationwide free Internet service (pdf). The band would also have provisions for content filtering and open access to third-party devices and applications, says RCR Wireless News.
It could give federal regulators greater legal cover if opponents decide to take the FCC to court after a final decision is made, says RCR News.
The FCC’s Proposed Rulemaking (pdf) would combine the 2155-2175 MHz band with the 2175-2180 MHz band to create a 25 megahertz block of spectrum that would support a single nationwide license. That spectrum is now called Advanced Wireless Services-3 (AWS-3).
“This larger block size may allow the AWS-3 licensee to make more robust use of the spectrum while operating at a stricter out-of-band emission limit,” the FCC stated. “Alternatively, another proposed option would be to retain the 2155-2175 MHz AWS-3 block and allow the licensee to operate with a more traditional out-of-band emission limit.”
A fast-track public comment cycle is expected for the latest FCC AWS-3 blueprint. An FCC spokesman said the agency hopes to rule on the matter as early as August.
According to the Notice, [The FCC] proposes requiring the licensee for the 2155-2180 MHz spectrum to provide – using up to 25 percent of its wireless network capacity – free, two-way broadband Internet service at engineered data rates of at least 768 kbps downstream. Additional obligations associated with the licensee’s free broadband service would include a requirement to provide a network-based filtering mechanism for the free Internet service in order to protect children and families, and a requirement that the network allow for the use of open devices.The build-out requirements for the licensee, as proposed today, would be to provide
signal coverage and offer service to at least 50 percent of the total U.S. within four years and to
at least 95 percent of the U.S. population by the end of the 10-year license term. Today’s Notice
also proposes permitting both downlink and uplink transmissions throughout the entire 2155-
2180 MHz band.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again; the FCC needs to try harder — with different rules:
- Make the spectrum free (like WiFi).
- Make it lightly licensed (like 3650MHz).
- Dedicate it to municipal wireless (only).
- Provide open access for everyone and priority access for public service users.
- Enable “tiered” premium service.
- Eliminate the single, national operator requirement, encourage grass-roots efforts.
- A dual band router provides WiFi inside homes.
Put a CradlePoint-like “mobile router” inside a DTV settop. For telephony, Green Packet’s single-chip solution supports mobile WiMAX handoff to WiFi inside the home. Sprint, Clearwire and Comcast might benefit with voice over Wi-Fi. A cheap triple-play box could deliver mass penetration — and a tiered up-sell from the majors. Everyone wins.
The AT&T and Verizon duopoly gets competition.
Municipal wireless networks wouldn’t be in the mess they are today if we had 25 MHz dedicated to (free) municipal wireless.
- A 3.650 GHz WiMAX basestation costs under $2K (video). Basestations at 2.155 GHz would deliver better range at lower cost. A licensed 2.6 GHz Mobile WiMAX system covers about 10 sq miles for $50-$100K. A 2.155 GHz WiMAX system might cost $2.5K per sq mile/$25K per 10 sq miles.
- Municipal Wi-Fi networks cost $100K per sq mile — that’s $1 million per 10 square miles. Way too expensive to pencil out. No wonder they’ve folded.
The FCC’s rule making (mostly) benefits big business and big government — not consumers.
Comments on the proposed 2.155 GHz rule making (pdf), should be filed in WT Docket No. 07-195, and WT Docket No. 04-356, and may be filed using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies.
DailyWireless stories on 2155 GHz include; Free Internet Auction: On Again, CellCos to Martin: Sit Down and Shut Up, $99 Settop = Free Triple Play?, FCC: Free Broadband at 2155-2180 MHz, Bill to Free 2155-2180 Mhz, Free 2155-2175 MHz! and European 2.5 GHz Auctions & the Global Market.
