The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules that will make available 25MHz of spectrum for mobile broadband services in much of the United States. The spectrum is in the 2.3 GHz frequency band in which Sirius XM operates and the…
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules that will make available 25MHz of spectrum for mobile broadband services in much of the United States. The spectrum is in the 2.3 GHz frequency band in which Sirius XM operates and the satellite radio provider has expressed concern over potential interference issued.
As a solution to this, the FCC has also outlined permanent rules that permit the use of terrestrial repeaters by Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) licensees. The rules stipulate that repeaters operating up to 12 kW average EIRP will be authorised under a blanket licensing regime.
In a statement, FCC commissioner Michael Copps said: “Today’s Order brings much-needed regulatory clarity to the range of services operating in the 2.3 GHz spectrum band. Without question, it has been a difficult challenge to address the needs of all the affected operators-and, more importantly, the consumers-of satellite radio, flight testing and future wireless broadband services. I believe that our decision today can provide a workable pro-consumer framework-one that brings innovative wireless broadband technologies to American consumers and one that protects important incumbent services upon which existing customers rely.”
FCC commissioner Robert McDowell added: “The extensive technical record – which includes field testing – gives us the confidence to conclude that instances where WCS would seriously degrade, obstruct or repeatedly interrupt satellite radio transmission occur rarely, if at all. Thus, clear rules and tight coordination procedures are all the more important. I am voting to support today’s decision because it promotes competition among multiple mobile platforms, encourages new entry into the mobile market, and provides more incentives for investment and innovation.”
