FCC Proposes Locating Wireless Broadband in MSS Slots

By Doug Lung
published


In its search for more spectrum for wireless broadband, the FCC is proposing to allow co-primary fixed and mobile allocations to the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Service Band. Some of this 2 GHz band was previously allocated for broadcast auxiliary services.

An FCC News Release on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry (FCC 10-126) said that the NOI further was requesting additional comment on ways to promote innovation and investment in all three MSS bands, "while also ensuring market-wide mobile satellite capability to serve important needs like disaster response and recovery efforts, rural access for consumers and businesses across America, and various government uses."

If one of the MSS operations fails and its license is returned or canceled, the FCC proposes not assigning that spectrum to an existing licensee, or making it available for a new MSS licensee. The spectrum would not be available for further licensing under the satellite licensing rules.

The FCC notes that "Assigning the returned spectrum under existing satellite licensing rules would potentially limit options for flexible use and promotion of fixed/mobile deployment."

Doug Lung
Doug Lung

Doug Lung is one of America's foremost authorities on broadcast RF technology. As vice president of Broadcast Technology for NBCUniversal Local, H. Douglas Lung leads NBC and Telemundo-owned stations’ RF and transmission affairs, including microwave, radars, satellite uplinks, and FCC technical filings. Beginning his career in 1976 at KSCI in Los Angeles, Lung has nearly 50 years of experience in broadcast television engineering. Beginning in 1985, he led the engineering department for what was to become the Telemundo network and station group, assisting in the design, construction and installation of the company’s broadcast and cable facilities. Other projects include work on the launch of Hawaii’s first UHF TV station, the rollout and testing of the ATSC mobile-handheld standard, and software development related to the incentive auction TV spectrum repack.
A longtime columnist for TV Technology, Doug is also a regular contributor to IEEE Broadcast Technology. He is the recipient of the 2023 NAB Television Engineering Award. He also received a Tech Leadership Award from TV Tech publisher Future plc in 2021 and is a member of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.