WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission has released a tentative agenda for its January Open Meeting Thursday, January 29, 2026 that will see the Commissioners vote on expanding unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, foreign ownership rules, Internet Protocol (IP) Relay and Video Relay Services (VRS) and other issues.

The meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. and will be streamed lived at www.fcc.gov/live and on the FCC’s YouTube channel.

The FCC described the items on the agenda as follows:

• Expanding Unlicensed Operations in the 6 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 18-295). The Commission will consider a Fourth Report and Order that would permit a new class of unlicensed 6 GHz devices—geofenced variable power (GVP) unlicensed devices—that operate outdoors at higher power. The Commission will also consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would allow for increased power for certain 6 GHz operations controlled by automated frequency coordination systems and extend low-power indoor operations to cruise ships.
• Establishing Transparency in Foreign Adversary Control (GN Docket No. 25-166). The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would adopt new attestation and disclosure requirements for holders of Commission-granted licenses, leases, authorizations, permits, grants and other approvals, that would enhance public transparency over Foreign Adversary Control over U.S. communications networks operators.
• Promoting Clarity By Codifying and Simplifying Foreign Ownership Rules (GN Docket No. 25-149). The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would adopt clarifications to the Commission’s foreign ownership rules and practices for foreign investment in common carrier wireless and aeronautical radio, and broadcast licensees to reduce unnecessary burdens on industry while continuing to protect the public interest, including national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy.
• Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities (CG Docket No. 03-123); Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service Program (CG Docket No. 10-51); Misuse of Internet Protocol Relay Service (CG Docket No. 12-38). The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek comment on enhancements for Internet Protocol (IP) Relay and Video Relay Services (VRS), administrative reforms to streamline the TRS program, updating or eliminating obsolete rules, and closing outdated dockets.

Documents relating to the items on the agenda are available here.

WASHINGTON—Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has announced a tentative agenda for its Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29.

During the meeting, commissioners will vote on expanding unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, foreign ownership and other items.

Materials related to the items can be found here.

The FCC described the items that will be considered as follows:

• Expanding Unlicensed Operations in the 6 GHz Band—The Commission will consider a Fourth Report and Order that would permit a new class of unlicensed 6-GHz devices—geofenced variable power (GVP) unlicensed devices—that operate outdoors at higher power. The commission will also consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would allow for increased power for certain 6-GHz operations controlled by automated frequency coordination systems and extend low-power indoor operations to cruise ships. (ET Docket No. 18-295)
• Establishing Transparency in Foreign Adversary Control—The commission will consider a Report and Order that would adopt new attestation and disclosure requirements for holders of commission-granted licenses, leases, authorizations, permits, grants and other approvals, that would enhance public transparency over foreign adversary control over U.S. communications networks operators. (GN Docket No. 25-166)
• Promoting Clarity By Codifying and Simplifying Foreign Ownership Rules—The commission will consider a Report and Order that would adopt clarifications to its foreign ownership rules and practices for foreign investment in common-carrier wireless and aeronautical radio, and broadcast licensees to reduce unnecessary burdens on industry while continuing to protect the public interest, including national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy. (GN Docket No. 25-149)
• Modernizing Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services—The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek comment on enhancements for internet protocol (IP) relay and video relay services (VRS), administrative reforms to streamline the TRS program, updating or eliminating obsolete rules and closing outdated dockets. (CG Docket Nos. 03-123, 10-51, 12-38)

The Open Meeting is scheduled to start 10:30 a.m. ET in the Commission Meeting Room of the FCC, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.

Open Meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.

WASHINGTON—Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr said the agency will vote this month on an order to expand the unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band with the creation of a new category of unlicensed devices—GVP devices, or geofenced variable power devices—which can operate outdoors and at higher power than previously authorized devices.

GVP devices will support high data rates suitable for AR/VR, short-range hotspots, automation,and indoor navigation. GVP devices will overcome limitations of previous device classes by allowing higher power and outdoor mobility.

The vote will occur at the FCC’s Jan. 29 monthly open meeting on Jan. 29. The proposed order and materials relating to other items on the tentative agenda are available here.

“By voting this month to expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, the FCC enables consumers to benefit from supercharged Wi-Fi and a new generation of wireless devices—from AR/VR and IoT to a range of innovative smart devices,” Carr said in a statement. “This puts America back at the forefront of technological leadership, benefiting our consumers, economy, and innovators.”

In announcing the vote, the FCC said: “Geofenced variable power (GVP) devices promise to overcome technical and regulatory constraints of other low power devices such as low-power indoor (LPI) and very-low-power (VLP) devices. GVP devices offer data rates suitable for reality/virtual reality, short-range hotspots, automation processes and indoor location and navigation because they operate at significantly higher power than VLP devices. At the same time, GVP devices need not be restricted indoors, as is the case with LPI. These benefits will be made possible by restricting GVP devices from operating in exclusion zones on certain frequencies to protect incumbent licensed services from any significant risk of harmful interference.”

In addition to the proposed order creating a new category of GVP devices, the commission will seek comment on proposals that could provide more utility for unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band.

Specifically, the FCC would seek comment on a proposal to allow composite standard-power and LPI access points to operate with additional power under certain circumstances, and a proposal to permit LPI access points to operate on cruise ships.

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Broadcasters highlighted the “hidden” importance of spectrum in the production of major sporting events and described what’s at risk as U.S. policymakers consider regulatory changes to rules governing how spectrum is used in a blog posted Friday.

In the June 13 blog titled “Spectrum: The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Major Sports Broadcasting,” Alison Martin, the NAB’s vice president of innovation and strategy, notes, “When 5 billion people worldwide tune in to watch the FIFA World Cup next year, they’re not just witnessing athletic excellence—they’re experiencing the culmination of some of the most complex spectrum management on the planet.”

In that coverage, she explains, C-band satellites and 6-GHz Broadcast Auxiliary Services play a particularly important role that could be harmed by recent regulatory decisions.

“When lawmakers and regulators around the world make spectrum policy decisions – whether about 6 GHz sharing rules, satellite band protection or interference standards – they’re not just shuffling around abstract frequencies,” she wrote. "They are making choices about the reliability and resilience of communications infrastructure that billions of people depend upon.”

At the end of 2024, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously adopted new rules to expand very-low-power device operations across all 1,200 MHz of the 6-GHz band alongside other unlicensed and Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

The rules were adopted despite opposition from NAB and other parties, who argued that opening up the spectrum would create problems for fixed microwave links, satellite uplinks and broadcast auxiliary services that use this spectrum.

“Here’s where spectrum policy gets interesting: that same 6 GHz frequency band, parts of which were previously reserved primarily for broadcasters’ newsgathering operations, now also accommodates unlicensed users, including Wi-Fi 6E devices,” the blog says. “Picture this scenario: you’re a broadcast engineer managing 30-plus wireless cameras during a World Cup final. And suddenly, your licensed, professional-grade equipment must contend with thousands of consumer Wi-Fi devices. Since the FCC’s recent proceeding granting those unlicensed devices access to the 6-GHz frequencies, these devices now have every legal right to operate in that spectrum band. Of course, they aren’t allowed to cause harmful interference, but let’s be real—that limitation doesn’t quite reflect reality.

“Indeed, NAB members have reported interference to their 6 GHz devices at many major sports venues, including four NFL sites, one MLB site and numerous NCAA basketball sites,” Martin wrote. “Broadcasters suspect this interference is coming from unlicensed 6 GHz installations at those venues, but the source of interference can be very hard to track down—especially when you are simultaneously trying to air a live broadcast. For now, broadcasters make heavy use of 2-GHz BAS spectrum to keep the pristine pictures flowing, but we are also sharing that spectrum with the Department of Defense, adding to an already complex frequency management problem.“

WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously adopted new rules to expand very-low-power device operations across all 1,200 megahertz of the 6-GHz band alongside other unlicensed and Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

Despite opposition from the National Association of Broadcasters and other parties who have argued that opening up the spectrum would create problems for fixed microwave links, satellite uplinks and broadcast auxiliary services that use this spectrum, the FCC has in recent years been opening up parts of the 6-GHz band.

Prior to the Dec. 11 vote to open up all 1,200 megahertz for very-low-power devices, the FCC expanded unlicensed use between 5.925 and 7.125 GHz, helping to usher in Wi-Fi 6E, set the stage for Wi-Fi 7 and support the growth of the Internet of Things.

Last October, FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel called for further expansion, which the NAB opposed. “As broadcasters’ extraordinary efforts to help the many communities impacted by Hurricane Helene demonstrate, it is critical for the commission to ensure that broadcasters have access to spectrum that will allow them to provide these essential services in times of crisis and without interference,” the NAB said in October.

In a Nov. 14 letter to the FCC, the NAB said it “has no objection to sharing spectrum used by broadcasters for critical electronic newsgathering with unlicensed operations if it can be shown that such operations will not cause harmful interference. But the record in this proceeding does not support that conclusion. We again urge the commission to avoid the risk to licensed uses of spectrum by accepting a measured compromise approach by reserving just 55 MHz of the 6-GHz band for licensed mobile use until real-world data are available to justify the removal of this reservation.”

In adopting the new rules, the FCC noted that they will bolster cutting-edge applications like wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality, which will enhance learning opportunities, improve healthcare outcomes and bring new entertainment experiences.

The Report and Order permits the very-low-power (VLP) class of unlicensed devices to operate across 350 MHz of spectrum in the U-NII-6 (6.425-6.525 GHz) and U-NII-8 (6.875-7.125 GHz) portions of the 6 GHz band at the same power levels and technical/operational protections as recently approved for the U-NII-5 (5.925-6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525-6.875 GHz) bands while protecting incumbent licensed services that also operate in the band.

These VLP devices will have no restriction on locations where they may operate and would not be required to operate under the control of an automatic frequency coordination system, the FCC said.

To ensure the risk of interference remains insignificant, the FCC said that the devices would be required to employ a contention-based protocol and implement transmit power control while prohibited from operating as part of a fixed outdoor infrastructure.

The FCC also argued that its new rules “will spur innovation by providing more capacity for emerging technologies and applications, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, in-car connectivity, wearable on-body devices, healthcare monitoring, short-range mobile hotspots, high accuracy location and navigation, automation and more.”

In a statement, Rosenworcel stressed the FCC’s efforts to provide unlicensed spectrum for applications like Wi-Fi has already produced enormous economic benefits. “ Wi-Fi alone will foster $769 billion in economic growth in 2024,” she said. “That number is projected to rise 21 percent in 2025 and as high as 67 percent by 2027 when the latest version of Wi-Fi will be in available in millions of devices.”

“Today we take the effort to support unlicensed activity in the 6 GHz band even further,” she continued. “We are opening up 350 megahertz of the 6 GHz band to small mobile devices operating at very low power. When you combine that with the 850 megahertz of the 6-GHz band that we made available for low-power use just a year ago, we are expanding access to 1,200 megahertz to help jumpstart the next generation of unlicensed wireless devices.”

“This 1,200 megahertz means unlicensed bandwidth with a mix of high capacity and low latency that is absolutely prime for immersive, real-time applications,” she added. “These are the airwaves where we can develop wearable technologies and expand access to augmented and virtual reality that will provide new opportunities in education, health care and entertainment. This is the unlicensed spectrum where the future happens—and with the 6-GHz band, the United States is leading the way.”

The Third Report and Order (FCC 24-125) was approved in an 5-0 Dec. 11 vote with chair Rosenworcel and commissioners Brendan Carr, Geoffrey Starks, Nathan Simington and Anna Gomez all approving. The order is available here.

WASHINGTON—FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today proposed new rules to expand very-low-power device operations in additional spectrum in the 6-GHz band alongside other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. In recent years, the agency has expanded unlicensed use between 5.925 and 7.125 GHz, helping to usher in Wi-Fi 6E, set the stage for Wi-Fi 7 and support the growth of the Internet of Things.

“Opening up access to the airwaves without licenses makes it possible to innovate without permission and to develop low-power wireless technologies that change the way we live and work,” Rosenworcel said. “We are making more spectrum available to bolster this growing ecosystem of cutting-edge applications like wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, improve healthcare outcomes and bring new entertainment experiences.”

Though broadcasters initially opposed the use of unlicensed low-power devices in the 6-GHz band due to interference—particularly with wireless ENG tech—the FCC voted in 2020 to open the entire band to low-power devices. In the interim, tech advances such as enhanced interference mitigation measures and changes in usage patterns have lessened such opposition. Nevertheless, the SBE issued a warning to broadcasters earlier this year when the commission publicized its intentions.

NAB also opposed the proposal and issued the following statement:

“While we have not seen the draft item on circulation, it would be extremely disappointing if the Commission were engaged in yet another spectrum giveaway to Big Tech without adequately protecting the spectrum broadcasters are currently using to provide breaking news coverage. As broadcasters’ extraordinary efforts to help the many communities impacted by Hurricane Helene demonstrate, it is critical for the Commission to ensure that broadcasters have access to spectrum that will allow them to provide these essential services in times of crisis and without interference.”

The proposed Report and Order would, if adopted, permit the very-low-power (VLP) class of unlicensed devices to operate across 350 MHz of spectrum in the U-NII-6 (6.425-6.525 GHz) and U-NII-8 (6.875-7.125 GHz) portions of the 6 GHz band at the same power levels and technical/operational protections as recently approved for the U-NII-5 (5.925-6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525-6.875 GHz) bands, while protecting incumbent licensed services that operate in the 6 GHz band.

These VLP devices would have no restriction as to where they may operate, nor would they be required to operate under the control of an automatic frequency coordination system. To ensure the risk of interference remains insignificant, the devices would be made to employ a contention-based protocol, implement transmit power control and be prohibited from operating as part of a fixed outdoor infrastructure.

The FCC said its actions in the 6-GHz band for VLP devices “provides greater flexibility while fostering unlicensed innovation.”

“These devices operate at very low power across short distances and provide very high connection speeds, which are ideal for the types of high-data-rate, cutting-edge applications that will both enrich consumer experiences and bolster the nation’s economy,” the commission said.

Following the FCC’s recent decision to authorize very low power (VLP) devices in the 6 GHz spectrum band, the Society of Broadcast Engineers has issued a regulatory alert to members and stations telling them to be aware of potential 6 GHz interference.

The 6 Ghz spectrum band plays a critical role in ENG and local newsgathering and the FCC's efforts to open up parts of that spectrum to unlicensed devices has prompted considerable opposition from broadcasters and the NAB in recent years. 

On March 8 FCC rules authorizing unlicensed very low power (VLP) devices in the 6 GHz spectrum band: 5.925-7.125 GHz took effect. 

The FCC has also said it is considering proposals to allow even greater VLP and LPI (low-power indoor) use in the band. 

“The SBE, the NAB, and others have expressed concern that the FCC's proposals to increase unlicensed use of the 6 GHz Band could introduce harmful interference to broadcasters' licensed electronic newsgathering (ENG) activities in the band,” the SBE said. “Interference and reduced margin in fixed BAS links (STLs, etc.) may also be a problem as Wi-Fi-6E devices become common. Consequently, we urge you to fully document the performance of any 6 GHz fixed links that your station may have (signal levels, margin to failure, error rates, etc.). We are also interested in hearing from anyone who has experienced interference in the 6 GHz Band that could be attributable to unlicensed devices.”

The SBE noted that the issue is also important because “The FCC is also actively considering proposals to allow even greater VLP and LPI (low-power indoor) use in the Band” and urged anyone who has “experienced interference to your ENG operations in the 6 GHz band over the past several months, please notify the SBE at BASinterference@sbe.org no later than April 17.”

The SBE also reminded members that “any interference should be reported via the FCC Interference Reporting portal.”

On February 7, 2024, the FCC added to 6 GHz band unlicensed rules by permitting very low power (VLP) devices in the U–NII–5 (5.925–6.425 MHz) and U–NII–7 (6.525–6.875 MHz) portions of the 6 GHz band. 

The FCC said that the rules, which took effect on March 8, will limit VLP devices to low power levels and subject them to other technical and operational requirements that will permit these devices to operate across the United States while protecting incumbent licensed services that operate in the 6 GHz band from harmful interference.

At the same time, the FCC also took action in a Memorandum Opinion and Order on Remand that addressed a remand from the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit concerning issues of interference raised by television broadcasters. In that ruling, the FCC argued that “broadcasters' unsubstantiated claims of interference in the 2.4 GHz band do not warrant any changes to the 6 GHz rules,” according to the Federal Register in a summary of the decision and the new rules. 

The Federal Register also noted that “the rules the Commission is adopting are designed to support innovation to bring exciting new applications to market while protecting the important licensed services that operate in the 6 GHz band from harmful interference. At this time, the Commission is limiting VLP devices to the U–NII–5 and U–NII–7 bands because the technical record has mainly focused on the potential for interference to fixed microwave links which are the predominate uses of these portions of the 6 GHz band. The Commission plans on proposing to expand VLP device operation to the U–NII–6 and U–NII–8 portions of the band which support mobile operations.”

As the SBE noted, broadcasters, the SBE and the NAB have long disputed those arguments and have raised concerns about interference for a number of years. That makes it particularly important that broadcasters document cases of interference, the group said. 

WASHINGTON—Cable operators are telling the Federal Communications Commission to vigorously defend its conclusion that it can open up the 6-Gigahertz band to unlicensed mobile indoor WiFi without causing harmful interference with broadcast electronic newsgatherers (ENGs), which also use the band.

NCTA-The Internet & Television Association told the FCC in comments that broadcasters had not provided any credible evidence of harmful interference to mobile indoor operations. “The commission can easily dispel [the National Association of Broadcasters’] concerns,” it said, encouraging the regulator “to do so promptly to ensure that American consumers can benefit from the panoply of innovative services and applications that unlicensed access to the 6-GHz band will make possible.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in December upheld most of the FCC’s decision, but did say the agency had not sufficiently responded to a request from broadcasters that it reserve a sliver of the band exclusively for mobile licensees due to potential interference. It asked the FCC to make a better case.

NCTA's comments were in response to that court remand.

Petitioning the court to reverse the FCC’s decision were AT&T, Lumen Technologies, electric utilities, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), and the NAB.

Broadcasters had argued for protecting ENG crews already using the band by reserving an 80-MHz sliver for them, saying there was too much risk of harmful interference to that ever-more-crucial service in a time of pandemic.

But FCC engineers concluded that the band could be shared and ENG (and utility companies) protected with the conditions the agency had imposed. All of the commissioners agreed, but at least on the point of a sliver for mobile licensees, the court did not.

NCTA said the FCC should be able to assuage the court's concerns given what it calls the “insignificant” risk of harmful interference. 

WASHINGTON—The FCC has set the table for its upcoming April Open Meeting, with Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sharing the tentative agenda in a new blog post, with multiple elements relevant to broadcasters.

Wireless microphones will be part of the discussion, specifically their use of spectrum. The commission is set to vote on a proposal that will allow the new Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS) to operate on a licensed basis, while also exploring the use of the technology on an unlicensed basis. The potential interference from unlicensed devices, particular in the 6 GHz spectrum band, has been a point of emphasis for NAB in recent months.

Another spectrum issue on the docket is the re-banding process of Sprint’s commercial services to the upper range of the 800 MHz band. This effort began in 2004, with public safety services that had previously occupied the spectrum moving to the lower end of the band. The FCC says that more than 2,100 licensees have been successfully relocated to new channels in the band with no interruption to public safety communications. The commission will vote on an Order to close out the re-banding and terminate the proceeding.

The FCC has also been recently working on new rules regarding foreign government sponsored-programming, and the April meeting will see a vote to adopt new sponsorship identification requirements, which will force foreign governments to disclose when they, or their representatives, have leased time to broadcast on U.S. airwaves.

For information on the full agenda, visit the FCC website.

The FCC’s April Open Meeting will take place on April 22.

WASHINGTON—NAB told the FCC this week that the agency should not change its rules that prohibit client-to-client communications in the 6GHz band—especially the portions used for mobile service—until the commission and other stakeholders gain “real-world experience” with unlicensed operations in the band.

“Fortunately, the commission can revisit this decision as users gain more experience with 6 GHz deployments and authorize client-to-client use across the entire band if that proves warranted and sustainable,” the filing said.

The association told the FCC that client-to-client operations should not be authorized at all in the U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 sub-bands. The “increased density of transmitters unacceptably increases the likelihood and extent of interference,” it said.

“At a minimum, however, the commission must restrict client-to-client communications to clients authorized by a common LPI [low-power indoor] access point,” the filing said. 

Noting that the agency has already concluded that mobile hotspots and transportable devices must be prohibited from operating in the 6 GHz band to avoid interference with licensed 6 GHz band users, NAB questioned why now is the right time to consider a rule revision.

PLUS: NAB Brands Efforts to Expand Unlicensed Access in 6 GHz Band as 'Premature'

“The question before the commission is what, if anything, has changed to warrant a reversal of that decision. The answer is nothing,” NAB’s filing said.

In the filing, NAB told the commission that client-to-client communications creates unique risks. While LPI access points can communicate to client devices some 951 feet away, they can only detect an ENG camera transmitter 390 feet away. These distances correspond to 19.611 square feet and 8,116 square feet, respectively, the filing said.

“Thus, the distance over which licensed transmitters can be detected is less than half the distance over which clients can communicate with an access point,” it said. (Italics added by NAB.)

Interference to ENG receivers from LPI access points can happen at much greater distances—“almost nine times the distance over which they can detect an ENG transmitter,” NAB said. (Italics added by NAB.)

“LPI access points effectively operate as ‘alligators’ –all ‘mouth’ (casting a large transmitter interference distance) with almost no ‘ears’ (having a much smaller incumbent detection distance),” the filing said. NAB labeled the consequence of authorizing such use as “a risky interference environment” at venues in which ENG and 6 GHz Wi-Fi devices are both used.

PLUS: NAB Counters Facebook Proposal for 6 GHz VLP Operation

If the agency authorizes client-to-client communications, the situation will only be exacerbated by “a congregation of alligators with each one taking a bite out of the interference-free area for ENG operations,” the filing said.

NAB further argued that allowing client-to-client communications between clients that involve more than one LPI access point will unacceptably increase the density of transmitters and boost the chance and extent of interference.

Rather than considering a rule change, the FCC should focus its efforts on “ensuring unlicensed 6 GHz devices as currently authorized will not [be] causing harmful interference to 6 GHz incumbents,” NAB said.

WASHINGTON—The NAB has positioned itself against another proposal for unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz, this one submitted to the FCC by Facebook, Broadcom, Cisco, Intel and Qualcomm.

The new proposal, filed with the FCC on March 1, seeks for very-low power (VLP) unlicensed device operation in the 6 GHz band. VLP devices would comply with an out-of-band emissions level of -37 dBm/MHz at 5925 MHz and would prioritize operation in the channels above 6105 MHz before beginning operation below 6105 MHz.

In a filing from March 4, NAB stresses its concern that such a proposal could lead to harmful interference to licensed operations, including broadcasters’ ENG operations, as the proposal could see concentrated unlicensed operations in the U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 portions of the 6 GHz band, where ENG primarily operates.

“Given that local newsgathering has never been more important, the commission should be extremely cautious about increasing the risk for harmful interference to broadcast operations,” NAB said in its filing.

NAB says that the proposal acknowledges VLP operations in close proximity to licensed users could cause interference. The organization also says the proposal is inconsistent with the FCC’s previous order approving unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band.

In that order, the FCC denied NAB’s proposal to limit unlicensed operations in 80 of the 1200 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band, saying it would increase the likelihood of interference because unlicensed operations would be concentrated in fewer channels. While it disagrees with the ruling, NAB says that the FCC can’t at the same time reasonably conclude that VLP operations should be concentrated in the portion of the band used by broadcasters.

In the event that the FCC were to approve this proposal, NAB asked that the commission limit power levels to try and ensure licensed operations are better protected. It suggests authorizing a power level of no more than -15.5 dBm/MHz for VLP operations. At a minimum, NAB said, the FCC should constrain VLP operations to this power level in the U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 bands.

NAB also called it premature to expand unlicensed operations in the band until there’s experience with practical interference situations, which it said will be available in the near future.

The complete NAB filing is available through the FCC ECFS. 

WASHINGTON—NAB told the FCC in comments filed Feb. 22 that it is “premature” to expand unlicensed access to the 6 GHz band and that easing restrictions would fail to protect licensed operators in the band, including TV broadcasters who use the band for electronic newsgathering (ENG).

The comments address a call from proponents of Remote LAN (RLAN) to relax Low Probability of Interception (LPI) rules to allow client-to-client communications if each C2C device is enabled with an authorizing signal transmitted from an access point.

“NAB has previously explained that ENG receivers are ‘hidden nodes’ because ENG receivers are passive and therefore cannot be detected by unlicensed devices (whether LPI access points or client devices),” NAB said in its comments.

PLUS: NAB: No Evidence for Increasing Unlicensed Power Limits in 6 GHz

The client-to-client proposal would exacerbate the problem because “the enabling access point may be located thousands of feet from a client device and will fail to detect a passive ENG receiver” that could be located near a transmitting client device, it said.

“Under these circumstances, it would be grossly premature to reverse the FCC’s previous conclusions regarding client-to-client communications,” the comments said.

NAB urged the agency to postpone any possible changes until after a record of “practical experience” has been established that demonstrates whether and under what conditions incumbent users experience interference, it said. 

However, if the FCC decides to loosen the rules, it should prevent the use of client-to-client devices in a portion of the 6 GHz band to create a safe harbor for ENG operations, NAB said.

In its comments, NAB also told the agency that it should not extend less protection to licensed 6 GHz users than it would for unlicensed operations if it followed recommendations from RLAN proponents. 

The laboratory division of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology has specified that LPI access points must detect incumbents using a contention-based protocol (CBP) with a threshold level of -62 dBm/20 MHz, which corresponds to a power density of -75 dBm/MHz, the filing said.

However, RLAN proponents suggest a threshold for client-to-client devices of -99 dBm/MHz. “This is a difference of 24 dB, meaning that the threshold for protection of licensed devices would be over 250 times higher than the detection threshold required for the authorizing signal of client-to-client devices,” the filing said.

Further, the comments argued it is hard to “read this as anything other than a concession” that OET’s energy detection threshold for CBP is “insufficiently sensitive to detect other operations, whether licensed or unlicensed,” the comments said.

“Providing far greater protection to unlicensed devices than licensed devices would turn the entire premise of Part 15 of the commission’s rules on its head,” it said.

The comments are available online.  

WASHINGTON—Broadcasters have scored a victory in the debate with Microsoft over how the FCC should allow for more unlicensed broadband in the so-called white spaces between TV channels.

The FCC had signaled it wanted to allow more flexible use of the TV band by broadband providers, pushed by Microsoft—which petitioned for the changes to the Airband initiative to use white spaces spectrum to extend rural broadband access. Advancing rural broadband is an avowed priority for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

Given that the FCC was likely to have the votes to expand unlicensed use—the Democratic commissioners historically support expanded unlicensed use—the National Association of Broadcasters have worked with Microsoft on a compromise on four of five big relevant issues, but the fifth, allowing higher-powered unlicensed device use on channels adjacent to TV channels, had been the sticking point. NAB opposed it while Microsoft backed that use.

According to a draft of the item to be voted at the FCC's October public meeting, the FCC declined "at this time to allow higher power operation by white space devices when operating within the service contour of an adjacent channel TV station." It also said it would not change the methodology it used to protect authorized services—licensed TV broadcasters—from unlicensed signal interference.

While Microsoft and broadcasters had come to some meeting of the minds on other issues, the computer company remained opposed to broadcasters retaining the first channel adjacent to a TV station's channel as a buffer between stations and unlicensed users, something broadcasters said they need to protect against interference, certainly in the near term. 

The FCC has given them that near-term buffer. 

“The draft order would provide greater flexibility for white spaces operations without undermining the fundamental principle that unlicensed operations must not cause interference to licensed services," said NAB spokesperson Anne Marie Cumming. "We commend the Commission staff for their hard work on this item and their commitment to a consensus-based approach.”

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has denied an emergency motion to stay the FCC’s decision to open the 6 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi.

The FCC passed an order in April to open the 6 GHz band, which is primarily used by broadcasters, telecoms and utility companies. While those incumbents are not opposed to expanding Wi-Fi, their concern is primarily that there are not enough protections in place to protect from potential interference from new spectrum users.

The specific case that was heard by the D.C. Circuit Court had AT&T serving as the petitioner seeking the stay against the FCC.

However, though the court did not grant the emergency stay, it will still hear the underlying challenges of telecoms, public safety officials and utilities to the FCC order. The parties have been granted 30 days to submit a joint proposal for filing briefs in the case.

In response to the court’s decision, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai tweeted that the decision was “Great news for consumers, who stand to benefit from super-fast, #Wifi6/#Wifi6E services in the home and on the go.”

According to TVT’s sister publication Multichannel News, the FCC denied petitions made directly to them about staying the opening of the entire 6 GHz band in August. 

WASHINGTON—The opening of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use continues to be debated, with NCTA—The Internet & Television Association and New America’s Open Technology Institute filing separate comments to the FCC asking that petitions for reconsideration from CTIA, Verizon and Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition be dismissed or denied.

The FCC approved in April that the 6 GHz band, which is currently used by broadcasters and utility companies, would be opened to unlicensed device operation, including low-power indoor devices, in an effort to further develop 5G.

CTIA, Verizon and FWCC have all filed petitions that make the case the order does not properly protect incumbent users; CTIA specifically cites the approval of low-powered indoor and outdoor use without automated frequency coordination. Similarly, but not directly related to these petitions, the NAB and the Utilities Technology Council have each sued the FCC over the order.

NCTA and OTI make the argument that the Wi-Fi advantages that the 6 GHz band would provide are necessary.

“The need for unlicensed spectrum for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed services has reached an inflection point,” NCTA wrote. “Additional unlicensed spectrum is essential to support new and innovative services, like Wi-Fi 6, that can benefit rural communities and communities of color, and to meet the voracious demand for internet connectivity that is more important now than ever.”

NCTA believes that the process that the FCC undertook to determine the amount of interference that would take place for incumbent users took care of all concerns.

According to NCTA and OTI, none of the petitions bring forth new evidence or arguments that would justify reconsideration of the FCC’s order, and therefore the commission does not have to consider them. The two groups say that the FCC should dismiss or deny on merits these petitions.

Tech companies, including Facebook, Apple and Google are also urging the FCC not to reconsider its order, as reported on by TVT's sister publication Multichannel News.

The full NCTA and OTI comments are available through FCC’s ECFS. 

WASHINGTON—As the debate over the FCC’s plans for the 6 GHz band heads to court, the NAB is continuing to argue its case directly to the commission on related issues, including increases to the power limit of unlicensed users.

In reply comments to the FCC’s Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, the NAB says that no one supporting unlicensed operation has offered evidence to justify any changes to the commission’s initial order.

The FCC in April approved a Report and Order that would allow for unlicensed operation in the entire 1,200 MHz of the 6 GHz band, spectrum that broadcasters and other wireless operators use for auxiliary operations. This FNPRM proposes an increase of the power levels permitted for low-power indoor operations for these unlicensed operators from 5 dB/MHz to 8 dB/MHz.

“Rather than proceed on the basis of incomplete and inadequate information, the commission should wait for devices to actually be deployed in the market and for stakeholders to gain a better sense of whether the commission’s existing rules actually work to protect licensed users,” the NAB wrote in its comments.

NAB says that those in the case of increasing the power limits for low-power indoor devices, no one has provided any new evidence to justify a change. Those supporting very low-power devices claim they have studies, but NAB challenges them, claiming several flaws in each—this includes a study conducted by Apple and Broadcom detailing a low likelihood of interference to fixed services and mobile BAS services. A Wireless Broadband Alliance study, NAB argues, is not applicable because it only considers interference to FS operations and permits interference above the current FCC threshold.

As for others supporting the increase in power limits, NAB says that they are doing so primarily on the potential economic benefits of new applications that could be offered on the spectrum.

“We urge the commission not to exacerbate the already challenging situation it has created without substantial evidence and real-world experience,” the NAB writes.

The full NAB comments are available online. 

WASHINGTON—The FCC now faces two lawsuits that claim its order to open the 6 GHz spectrum band to unlicensed use is unlawful. The Utilities Technology Council, along with American Power Power Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, has filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit asking the court to overturn the FCC order.

NAB filed a separate petition with the D.C. Circuit Court on July 24 against the FCC’s 6 GHz order.

Currently, broadcasters and other wireless operators use the 6 GHz band for auxiliary operations, which range from sports to breaking news and special events. The FCC order, which was issued in April, would open the entire 1,200 MHz of the band for unlicensed Wi-Fi operation. The FCC hopes that this will help with the development of 5G.

“The Federal Communications Commission acted unlawfully and against the public interest when it permitted a host of new users into a vital spectrum band that will likely cause communications challenges for public safety and critical-infrastructure industries,” UTC wrote in an announcement.

UTC President and CEO Sheryl Riggs said that the filing of the petition comes only after the organization attempted to demonstrate the flaws of the FCC’s plan and the need for a thorough analysis to prove that operation of unlicensed devices could occur without causing interference.

In the petition, UTC is specifically asking for the court to:

• Hold that the FCC’s rules in the Report and Order unlawfully authorize unlicensed low power indoor operations without sufficient safeguards to prevent harmful interference to licensed operations; 
• Hold that the FCC was arbitrary and capricious in failing to adequately consider studies on the record that show that unlicensed operations will cause harmful interference to licensed systems; 
• Vacate those portions of the Report and Order the Court finds to be arbitrary and capricious or otherwise unlawful or defective; 
• Remand to the FCC for proceedings consistent with the Court’s findings; and/or provide such relief as the Court deems appropriate 

The FCC has declined to comment on the petitions. 

WASHINGTON— 

The NAB has filed an official petition against the FCC in the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C., asking it to review, and ultimately vacate, the commission’s Report and Order regarding unlicensed use in the 6 GHz spectrum band.

Broadcasters and other wireless operators use the 6 GHz band for auxiliary operations, including sports, breaking news and special events.

The FCC’s order would open the entire 1,200 MHz of the band for unlicensed Wi-Fi operation, a move the FCC hopes will help advance 5G. The FCC has also issued an NPRM to increase the power levels permitted for low-power indoor operations from the current 5 dB/MHz to 8 dB/MHz.

In its petition to the court, NAB says the order “unlawfully fails to protect the myriad of existing licensed users in the band from potential interference arising from such unlicensed use. Television broadcasters in particular have both fixed and mobile operations in the 6 GHz band, which require different protective measures to be adequately insulated from harmful interference. The order neglects to include proper safeguards for either type of broadcast operations.”

NAB has filed comments to the FCC directly in response to these potential moves, asking the commission to hold off until the full breadth of potential interference can be gauged. On the opposing side, computer companies like Facebook, Apple, Google and Microsoft have been supporting the FCC’s push for expanded unlicensed use.

Now, labeling the order as an action that would have immediate adverse consequences for the organization and its members, NAB is seeking relief from the order on the following grounds:

• It’s arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion under 5 U.S.C. § 706; 
• It violates federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act, the Communications Act of 1934, commission regulations and, as the NAB argues, the Constitution; and 
• It is otherwise contrary to law 

 “Accordingly, NAB respectfully requests that this Court hold unlawful, vacate, enjoin and set aside the Order and grant such additional relief as may be necessary and appropriate,” the NAB concluded.

The FCC declined to comment when contacted by TV Technology.

The official petition is available online.

WASHINGTON—The NAB is preaching caution as the FCC looks to possibly expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, arguing that no such decision should be made until there is a clearer picture of the impact of the already approved unlicensed use in the spectrum.

In April, the FCC unanimously approved opening the entire 1,200 MHz of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi operation as part of the commission’s strategy to develop 5G.

Broadcasters at the time were worried about the potential interference that could have on the services they have operating in the 6 GHz band, like fixed links delivering content from broadcast studios to transmitter sites and mobile transmissions from ENG trucks. The NAB noted how these services have been particularly critical during the current pandemic.

Now, a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking deals with increasing the power levels permitted for low-power indoor operations from the current 5 dB/MHz to 8 dB/MHz.

“Time will tell if the commission was correct in its determination that interference is unlikely to occur, despite broadcasters’ substantiated concerns that the minimal protections the Report and Order establishes will prove insufficient,” the NAB said in its comments. “But it is plainly premature at this time to increase the power levels permitted for LPI operations by an additional 3 dB when there has been no opportunity to test the commission’s assumptions in the marketplace.”

In addition, the NAB has raised concerns about the FNPRM’s proposal to permit very low power operations across the 6 GHz band, indoors and outdoors, with no automatic frequency coordination. NAB says that none of the mitigation techniques or factors in the FNPRM are likely to ensure protection for BAS operations.

“Accordingly, we urge the commission not to take further action to authorize higher power LPI operations or VLP operations until more is known about the ability of unlicensed and licensed users to coexist in the band,” NAB concluded.

The NAB wasn’t the only group to submit a comment to the FCC recently, however. In response to a petition from the Edison Electric Institute for a preliminary stay on the use of LPIs in the 6 GHz band, TVT’s sister publication Multichannel News has reported that computer companies like Facebook, Apple, Google and Microsoft call on the FCC to reject the petition.

NAB’s full comments are available online. 

WASHINGTON—The FCC's approval to open up 1,200 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band drew criticism from those representing the interests of broadcasters, like NAB, and the praise from unlicensed wireless device backers, such as the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA). 

The FCC Report and Order authorizes indoor low-power operation of unlicensed wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi 6 modems, across the 6 GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz), which is used by radio and television stations for electronic newsgathering as well as other incumbents, including utilities, public safety entities and wireless backhaul concerns, that rely on the band for microwave transmission. It also authorizes standard-power devices in 850 MHz of the band.

According to the FCC, an automatic frequency coordination system will prevent the standard-power devices from interfering with incumbent servers.

The SBE, however, is critical of the vote because in its view the agency has failed to protect incumbents. “The problem with FCC's decision is that it absolutely does not protect incumbent services, including BAS, CARS and LTTS licensees in the 6425-6525 MHz band from interference that will disrupt or preclude electronic news gathering,” said SBE General Counsel Chris Imlay,

“As SBE noted in comments and in an ex parte submission—which the FCC quoted from but essentially ignored in the Report and Order—among the flaws in the rules adopted by the Commission are: (1) The power level is far too high for indoor applications; (2) There is a complete absence of any duty cycle limitation. (3) There are insufficient out-of-band emission limits. (4) There is no possibility that unlicensed broadband mobile devices can sense a temporary receive location in a stadium or other indoor location. (5) The indoor application limitation for U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 devices is unenforceable.”

“The bottom line with any unlicensed device is that if unauthorized deployment or unauthorized device configuration cannot be addressed prior to the point of sale, the rule is not enforceable, post hoc,” he said. 

Reacting to today’s vote, NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton expressed disappointment that the agency would permit unlicensed, uncoordinated use across the band, as well as dissatisfaction with how the FCC went about making its decision.

“Unlike in other recent proceedings, the commission did not bring stakeholders together to seek compromise. Moreover, the order represents an inexplicable departure from existing precedent,” said Wharton.

“Rather than require unlicensed proponents to prove they will not cause harmful interference, the commission shockingly forgoes any independent analysis that interference won’t be too bad or happen too often. This ‘fingers crossed’ approach is bad policy and not what is required under law,” he said.

WISPA President Claude Aiken, however, lauded the FCC action. “Three-quarters or more of all internet traffic moves over unlicensed devices and networks, keeping us connected, informed and, especially for the day’s recent events, safe. To say that it is important is a gross understatement,” he said.

Aiken pointed out that unlicensed spectrum “is stressed to the max” and there has been no sizable allocation of spectrum for unlicensed use in 20 years. Saying the agency “did the right thing,” he praised the FCC for weighing the evidence and determining unlicensed devices can safely share the band.

“This at a time when IoT, AI, smart home and other unlicensed-dependent technologies flood the marketplace; the deployment of 5G rapidly takes shape; and the Black Swan of the world’s new pandemic-induced, stay-at-home connectivity paradigm has put crushing demands on our networks and unlicensed ecosystem,” he said. In Aiken’s view, the commission’s action will help remedy the situation.

However, Wharton pointed specifically to possible negative ramifications of the action for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.  “The COVID-19 crisis has prompted Americans to flock to credible, lifeline local television and broadcast network news in record numbers. If today’s FCC decision is wrong, it will irreparably undermine broadcast newsgathering just as it is needed most," he said.

PLUS: NAB: 6 GHz Facts Being Ignored by OTI, Others

The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) applauded the FCC for its vote, saying opening the spectrum will bring “radical change for the Wi-Fi industry,” making possible greater speed, lower latency and more network capacity.

“Extending Wi-Fi into the 6 GHz spectrum band can provide more Wi-Fi capacity than all the other bands put together,” said WBA CEO Tiago Rodrigues, adding that using Wi-Fi 6 technology in the band will deliver wireless service that’s equivalent to 5G networks.

“In terms of the capability and capacity of networks, Wi-Fi 6E, will rewrite the rules of what is possible,” he said.

PLUS: FCC Spectrum Plan Could Add $183B to Economy, Per WiFiForward

The FCC also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in which it wants comments on a proposal to allow very low-power devices, such as VR and AR devices, that support high data rate applications into the band. It also wants comments on increasing the power level of indoor access points. 

WASHINGTON—The NAB’s 6 GHz proposal to the FCC, in which 1,120 of the 1,200 MHz of the band be opened for unlicensed, low-power indoor (LPI) wireless devices—keeping 80 MHz for broadcasters to operate in hopefully without interference—did not sit well with the Open Technology Institute. OTI sent a letter to the FCC opposing the proposal, but according to a new blog post from NAB Vice President of Strategic Planning Patrick McFadden, that letter is a perfect example of “how little [OTI] understands what is actually at stake in the 6 GHz band.”

The 6 GHz band is primarily made up of broadcast ENG crews, and the NAB believes that granting permission to these unlicensed LPI devices to utilize the spectrum causes potential interference issues, a major disturbance particularly as broadcasters' ability to provide information to viewers has been heightened during the current coronavirus pandemic.

“We take no particular issue with amateur pundits weighing in on policy at least plausibly aligned with their organizations’ mission,” McFadden wrote. “The problem is that there’s a considerable difference between acting like you know what you’re talking about and actually knowing what you’re talking about.”

McFadden says that OTI’s letter mischaracterizes the NAB proposal as a “last-minute proposal,” but rather the organization has “long sought to keep spectrum used for mobile operation, whether by broadcasters or public safety users, free from unlicensed use.” The sole point of change, McFadden argues, is that the NAB is willing to compromise on this as long as “safe zone” is created within 80 MHz of the band (broadcasters currently use 350 MHz of the 6 GHz band).

NAB also says the OTI argument that there is no or minimal danger of interference with wireless devices using 6 GHz spectrum is incorrect, and shared the technical analysis on which they are basing the idea that interference is possible and potentially dangerous.

McFadden continues his point/counterpoint argument as follows:

• On OTI’s claim that venues can decide whether Wi-Fi operations and newsgathering are compatible, McFadden says that venues often do not have the expertise and that the role of the FCC is to provide such guidelines to prevent harmful interference; 
• OTI also says the 80 MHz is excessive since 8K video can be broadcast using 10 MHz, despite that the FCC recently granted the NAB experimental authorization to transmit 8K video in a bandwidth of more than 100 MHz; 
• The OTI suggestion that broadcasters can use licensed spectrum in other bands is disproven because Wi-Fi has already been shown to cause harmful interference in other bands, like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; 
• OTI says that broadcasters rely on bonded cellular technology for newsgathering operations. McFadden points out, however, that technology can often fail in emergency/critical situations. 

Earlier this year, conservative groups also sent a letter to the FCC that any interference by wireless LPIs using the 6 GHz band was minimal.

“The FCC should ignore views like OTI’s and the gaggle of one-person special interest groups that filed demonstrably uninformed Facebook letters,” McFadden wrote. “NAB’s proposal to keep 80 MHz of the 6 GHz band off the table, temporarily, is a safety valve. … Until there is some actual experience with RLAN deployments at 6 GHz, it simply makes sense to proceed cautiously, before we step on a rake that will leave a permanent mark.”

McFadden’s entire blog post is available on the NAB Policy Blog. 

The FCC’s proposed opening of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed wireless devices has caused some concern for broadcasters, but a new study attempts to highlight how such action by the FCC could have a major boost on the U.S. economy.

WifiForward, a group of companies whose goal is to strengthen Wi-Fi and includes cable broadband, computer and tech companies, has shared a new study by Raul Katz, the director of business strategy research at Columbia Institute for Tele-Information and president of Telecom Advisory Services. The study claims that by allowing unlicensed use in the 6 GHz and 5.9 GHz spectrum bands will grow the U.S. economy by $183.44 billion between 2020 and 2025.

The proposals by the FCC would have the bottom 45 MHz of the 5.9 GHz band available for unlicensed use by traditional standard-power unlicensed service; the proposal for the 6 GHz band would open its entire 1,200 MHz for low-power indoor devices and very-low-power devices. The hope is that opening these bands will assist with 5G development.

Here is the breakdown of how opening up the spectrum will impact the economy, per Katz:

• $106 billion will be added to the U.S Gross Domestic Product as a result of increased broadband speeds, accelerated deployment of the Internet of Things and support for the augmented reality/virtual reality market; 
• $69 billion in producer surplus based on savings on enterprise wireless traffic and sales of Wi-Fi and AR/VR equipment; and 
• $8 billion in consumer surplus from increased broadband speeds 

ENG broadcasters are the current primary users of the 6 GHz band. While the NAB has detailed some of its concerns regarding the opening of the spectrum and potential interference from unlicensed devices, it has said that it is willing to work with the FCC to try and develop a plan that will mitigate risks.

The full report from WifiForward is available online.

WASHINGTON—If broadcasters are going to be sharing the 6 GHz band with unlicensed, low power indoor (LPI) devices, creating a “safe zone” to remove threats of interference is an action that the NAB believes should be taken.

This idea comes from an ex parte filed by the NAB after meetings with representatives from the FCC commissioners’ and chairman’s offices in regards to the proposed rule that would open up the entire 6 GHz spectrum band for unlicensed devices to operate in.

The 6 GHz band is primarily made up of broadcast ENG crews, and the NAB believes that granting permission to these unlicensed LPI devices to utilize the spectrum causes potential interference issues, a major disturbance particularly as broadcasters' ability to provide information to viewers has been heightened during the current coronavirus pandemic, the NAB argued.

The draft order does conclude that unlicensed devices can cause interference issues, but concludes the risk “to be insignificant.” This determination, the NAB claims, was done with no independent analysis, or at least none that was shared. The NAB also takes issue with an unclear definition of what the FCC deems as “insignificant interference.”

As a potential resolution, the NAB wants the FCC to not allow low-power devices to operate in U-NII-6, a part of the spectrum where broadcasters currently have the bulk of their authorized mobile operations, per NAB.

“This would allow the commission to make 1,100 MHz of spectrum available for unlicensed—a massive amount—while still preserving 100 MHz for broadcasters to continue to do their most important job without the threat of interference,” the NAB wrote.

Even if the FCC is set on freeing up 160 MHz channels for unlicensed devices, the NAB says it could do so for seven channels for 1,120 MHz and still leave 80 MHz at the top of the 6 GHz band not authorized for LPI. The NAB also says that it would be willing to consider alternative locations in the band.

Other points of argument in the NAB’s ex parte included how the FCC will be able to impose the “indoor-only” operation rule for LPIs; how a contention-based protocol does not work as intended with outdoor ENG operations; and for the FCC to convene a meeting to discuss and compare the analyses on the potential impact of opening the 6 GHz band.

“NAB broadcasters across the country and their viewers cannot rely upon mere judgement rather than independent analysis of a highly technical issue,” the ex parte reads. “As a result, we believe that allowing a safe zone of less than 7% of the overall band where LPI cannot occur at this time at least provides both the commission and broadcasters some protection as the band is forever altered.”

The full ex parte from NAB is available online. 

WASHINGTON—FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has issued official draft rules that would allow unlicensed devices to have access to operate in the entire 6 GHz band, which includes 1,200 MHz of spectrum.

That spectrum is primarily used by broadcast ENG users and utility companies. If this proposal were enacted, the incumbent users would share the spectrum with unlicensed devices that use the internet for operation. While broadcasters have reportedly been open to the idea of sharing some of the 6 GHz band, their chief concern is over the potential interference that could come from unlicensed devices.

In the official announcement of the proposal, Pai says that licensed services operating in the 6 GHz band would be protected so that both licensed and unlicensed services “could thrive throughout the band.” 

If adopted, the draft Report and Order authorizes two different types of unlicensed operations. The first would be standard-power in 850 MHz of the band, while indoor low-power operations could operate over the full 1,200 MHz. It claims that an automated frequency coordination system would prevent standard power access points from operating where there could be interference to incumbent services.

“By doing this, we would effectively increase the amount of spectrum available for Wi-Fi almost by a factor of five,” Pai said in the official announcement. “This would be a huge benefit to consumers and innovators across the nation. It would be another step toward increasing the capacity of our country’s networks. And it would help advance even further our leadership in next-generation wireless technologies, including 5G.”

In February, a group of conservative leaders wrote to Chairman Pai calling for the opening of the 6 GHz band. Others, including the NAB’s Patrick McFadden, have questioned whether there is a true need for unlicensed devices to operate in the 6 GHz band.

“The last few weeks of lifeline coronavirus coverage by local TV stations have made crystal clear the value of the 6 GHz band to broadcasters and the viewers we serve,” said Dennis Wharton, NAB's executive vice president of communications, in response to the proposal. “If broadcasters are to continue providing news coverage that is trusted in a crisis, we need spectrum to provide that service.

“We have previously witnessed the negative impact Wi-Fi operations have caused to spectrum broadcasters use to cover breaking news. Opening the entire 6 GHz band to unlicensed use without strong safeguards risk locking the FCC into a mistake it cannot correct. We look forward to engaging with the FCC to discuss potential solutions, including appropriate power levels, methods for redistricting indoor-only operations and other options to protect broadcaster uses.”

A Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has also been issued that proposes to permit very low-power devices to operate across the 6 GHz band to support high data rate applications. The FNPRM seeks comment on making a contiguous 1,200 MHz block of spectrum available for the development of new high-speed, short-range devices and on power levels and other technical and operational measures to avoid causing interference to incumbent services.

The draft rules are expected to be voted on during the FCC’s Open Meeting on April 23.

WASHINGTON—In the ongoing battle for spectrum, NAB’s Associate General Counsel Patrick McFadden recently wrote in a blog post that a group of tech companies’ argument for why they need additional spectrum, specifically in the 6 GHz band, doesn’t add up.

Representatives from Apple, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Facebook, Google and Qualcomm Incorporated met with the Office of Engineering and Technology in December of 2019 to discuss their potential use of the 6 GHz band. According to McFadden, the group is seeking free access to 1,200 MHz of spectrum that includes the entire 6 GHz band.

In its December meeting, the tech companies presented that their very-low-power (VLP) devices that would use the spectrum do not pose a harmful interference risk and are critical for personal area network (PAN) applications and vehicular applications. The companies gave a presentation that detailed how 90% of the time its VLPs are using less than 1% of the spectrum; 99% of the time it is less than 7%.

McFadden describes this bit of data as a ploy by the tech companies.

“They want to hype up the demand for Wi-Fi by saying other bands are overcrowded but at the same time try to placate 6 GHz incumbents about fears of future interference by downplaying their 5 GHz use,” said McFadden. “Either the other bands available for Wi-Fi use are severely underutilized and the FCC should abandon the proposed giveaway of the entire 6 GHz band, or those bands are in fact heavily used and incumbents should be extraordinarily concerned about the potential for harmful interference.”

As an alternative to the tech companies’ request for complete access to the 6 GHz band, McFadden suggests that the FCC makes the lower 500 MHz of the band available for unlicensed use—an idea that many broadcasters have already said they would be open to—while also issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to explore whether additional Wi-Fi spectrum is actually necessary, how to protect the incumbent broadcast and public safety mobile users and if other options should be considered.

McFadden’s full piece is available on NAB’s blog. 

WASHINGTON—It’s time that the FCC open up the floodgates of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, says a group of conservative leaders in a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. With the “underutilized” 6 GHz band available, the groups believe it would lead to technological innovation and wider, more efficient use.

The 6 GHz band is primarily used by broadcast ENG users and utility companies, who have raised potential interference issues that could occur to license users if such action were taken. However, the group’s letter says, “there are too many benefits to opening up this valuable spectrum to take these extreme warnings at face value.”

“Unlicensed spectrum brings immense benefits to Americans primarily through disparate swaths of radio spectrum in the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, among others,” the letter reads. “It is a powerhouse for the U.S. economy, providing an estimated economic value of at least $500 billion a year and growing.

“We believe similar benefits will follow by permitting unlicensed use to share 1200 MHz in the 6 GHz band with incumbents.”

Chairman Pai has proposed allowing sharing of the band between incumbent and unlicensed users. Broadcasters, according to reports, have even conceded that some spectrum can be opened, but that unlicensed users should not be given to the ENG band.

“Although some incumbent users of the 6 GHz spectrum paint a bleak and fearsome picture of sharing this spectrum, technology already successfully in use can enable coexistence in the band,” the groups argue.

Organizations that signed on to the letter include the Center for Individual Freedom; Consumer Action for a Strong Economy; Discovery Institute; Innovation Defense Foundation; Innovation Economy Institute; Institute for Liberty; Institute for Policy Innovation; Less Government; Market Institute; and Taxpayers Protection Alliance.

WASHINGTON—The NAB has done its homework on potential interference to electronic newsgathering services utilizing the 6 GHz spectrum band from unlicensed Radio Local Area Network Wi-Fi-type devices, and has provided that data to the FCC to advocate against uncoordinated unlicensed use.

In October 2018, the FCC proposed opening up the 1,200 MHz of the 6 GHz midband spectrum for unlicensed use. Broadcasters traditionally use the 6 GHz band for auxiliary operations, like sporting events, breaking news and special events.

The FCC has not officially voted on it, allowing for interested parties to provide comments. That is what the NAB did in a filing it sent to the commission on Dec. 5.

Writing that those proposing that the deployment of RLAN in the spectrum would have little to no impact defies “past experience and common sense,” the NAB provided the commission a report conducted by an engineering firm, Alion, that looked at the likelihood and extent of interference to ENG systems using three common ENG deployment use cases: indoor camera to indoor receiver; outdoor camera to news truck; and outdoor news truck to central receive site.

For indoor ENG operations, Alion found that interference could be expected 0.9% in best case scenarios and 95.3% in worst case scenarios. Outdoor ENG operations saw potential interference 0.4% to 66.9%. Finally, transmitting to a central receiver site, Alion reported that interference was predicted every single time.

“ENG systems are a critical component to public warning, newsgathering and content generation,” the NAB wrote, also pointing out that broadcasters have already loss access to channels at 2.5 GHz due in part to interference from 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi systems. “Based on that experience, we are certain that uncoordinated RLANs will cause interference to 6 GHz ENG systems.

The NAB does say that there is an opportunity to provide additional spectrum for Wi-Fi use in 6 GHz—Microsoft, broadband operators and wireless carriers are also seeking to utilize some, or in some cases all, of the 6 GHz spectrum—but that “it must not risk eliminating the non-common carrier mobile uses in the spectrum by allowing unrestricted, uncoordinated use, even if limited to indoor locations.”

Read the full ex parte filing from NAB here.