Spectrum Policy: The View From the FCC

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Spectrum Policy The View From the FCC
David FurthAssociate Bureau ChiefWireless
Telecommunications Bureau, FCC
National Spectrum Managers Association Rosslyn,
VA May 24, 2005
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Wireless Migration

• Wireless providers are key competitors across
  voice, data, and video services
• Voice
• 182 million US subscribers
• Usage rising wireless substitution increasing
• Wireless Data
• Rapid increase in Wi-Fi hot spots and users
• 3G being rolled out in major markets
• Video
• DBS represents 22 of MVPD subscribers
• Mobile video services emerging

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Wireless-Wireline Substitution -- US

• Wireless usage in US increasing compared to
  wireline
• Major impact on traditional telecom market
  structure

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Is Wireless the Third Broadband Pipe?

• DSL or cable are still the dominant broadband
  platforms
• Wireless technologies extend the wireline
  network through in-home networking, public hot
  spots
• Wireless internet service providers (WISPs) can
  provide broadband in areas where cable or DSL
  services are not available (e.g., rural areas).

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Broadband Technologies

• Wireline Technologies
• DSL
• Cable Modem
• BPL (broadband over power lines)

• Wireless Technologies
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• Wi-MAX
• 3G Wireless
• OFDM
• HSDPA
• Ultra-Wideband
• Satellites
• Millimeter Wave Bands

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Variation in Wireless Broadband Networks
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3G Rollout in U.S.
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Many Uses Compete For the Same Spectrum
Mobile Fixed Satellite
Cellular PCS
Public Safety/ Critical Infrastructure
AM/FM Broadcasting
Military Systems
Unlicensed Devices
Radio Spectrum (3 kHz - 3 GHz)
Other Federal Government Uses
Radiolocation
Analog Digital Television
Wireless Broadband
Broadcast Auxiliary
Amateur CB Radio
Subscriber growth, system capacity constraints,
new technology requirements create demand for
more bandwidth, but vacant spectrum below 3 GHz
(beachfront property for mobile) is very scarce
in US
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FCC Spectrum Task ForceMajor Findings
Recommendations

• Spectrum access is a more significant problem
  than physical scarcity
• Most spectrum is not in use most of the time
• New technologies can operate in white spaces
  (in time and space)
• A new approach to interference protection is
  necessary
• New technology is more interference-tolerant
• More measurement is needed to quantify spectrum
  usage and availability.
• Spectrum policy must evolve towards more flexible
  and market-oriented regulatory models
• Regulatory barriers inhibit spectrum access

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FCC Spectrum Task ForceMajor Findings
Recommendations

• Spectrum regulation must be based on clear
  definitions of rights and responsibilities
• No single regulatory model should be applied to
  all spectrum
• Pursue balanced spectrum policy that includes
• Granting of exclusive spectrum rights through
  market-based mechanisms (including easements in
  the first instance)
• Creating open access to spectrum commons
• Command-and-control regulation used in limited
  circumstances (e.g., public safety)

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FCC Spectrum Task ForceSteps for
Enhancing Spectrum Access

• Designate additional bands for flexible use (mix
  of licensed and unlicensed)
• Apply policies to existing bands that promote
  spectrum access
• Technological flexibility (allow multiple and
  evolving standards)
• Secondary markets (transferable spectrum rights)
  
• Look for non-interfering spectrum sharing
  opportunities

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Current FCC Spectrum Issues

• Move Toward Auction of AWS Spectrum
• New Broadband Rules at 2.5 GHz
• 3650 MHz Band Opened to New Wireless
  Technologies
• Transitioning 700 MHz Band from Analog TV to
  Wireless Broadband
• Expanding Access for Unlicensed Devices
• 800 MHz Rebanding to Resolve Interference to
  Public Safety Systems
• Restructure Airborne Communications Services
• Facilitate Deployment of Rural Services
• Further Development of Secondary Markets

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Spectrum Policiesfor Licensed Broadband

• Identify new spectrum for Advanced Wireless
  Services (includes 3G)
• Allow evolution within existing bands to more
  advanced services (e.g., evolution from 2G to
  2.5G/3G)
• Allow licensees flexibility to develop any
  technologically feasible services that best
  accomplish their business plans
• No mandated technology
• Rules permit multiple, evolving standards
• Flexible approach differs from original cellular
  rules and European 3G model

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Spectrum Policiesfor Unlicensed Broadband

• FCC has opened multiple bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5.8
  GHz) to unlicensed use
• Ultra-Wideband authorized to operate on
  underlay basis
• Unlicensed bands are well-suited to very
  low-power, high-bandwidth wireless applications
• Open access model reduces entry costs
• Lack of interference protection places premium on
  spectrum efficiency and robust technology
• But overuse of unlicensed bands can lead to
  tragedy of the commons

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Potential Additional Spectrum for Broadband

• Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)
• 120 MHz reallocated for advanced fixed/mobile
  services from military, fixed microwave, and MSS
• 700 MHz Band
• 66 MHz of spectrum to be vacated by analog TV
  broadcasters
• 2.5 GHz Band
• FCC recently adopted new band plan and regulatory
  flexibility for 196 MHz of spectrum used for
  instructional TV and wireless cable
• 3650-3700 MHz
• Non-exclusive licensing approach for
  contention-based devices

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Spectrum for AWS

• AWS I
• 90 MHz of paired spectrum (1710-1755/2110-2155
  MHz)
• CSEA Trust Fund legislation enacted auctions
  will fund federal relocation
• Service rules in place band plan reconsideration
  petitions pending
• Auction targeted for Summer 2006
• AWS II
• Two 10 MHz paired blocks (1915-1920/1995-2000
  MHz, 2020-2025/2175-2180 MHz)
• Service rules proposed in 2004 NPRM
• AWS III
• Single 20 MHz unpaired block (2155-2175 MHz)
• Service rules not yet proposed

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700 MHz Transition

• Upper 700 MHz (Channels 60-69)
• 36 MHz of spectrum to be auctioned for commercial
  use
• 24 MHz allocated for public safety
• Lower 700 MHz (Channels 52-59)
• 18 MHz already auctioned
• 30 MHz to be auctioned
• Guard Bands
• 4 MHz already auctioned, but Nextel has
  returned licenses
• Transition Issues
• Timing of auctions and DTV transition (possible
  legislation?)
• Interference protection during transition (e.g.,
  Aloha Waiver Qualcomm Petition)
• Intelligence Reform Act comment sought on
  public safety needs

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2.5 GHz Band (BRS/EBS)

• Former MDS-ITFS band -- 196 MHz of spectrum used
  for instructional TV and wireless cable
• RO/FNPRM (2004)
• Band restructured into 3 segments (2 low power, 1
  high power)
• 2495-2500 MHz added to band creation of two
  relocation slots for 2.1 GHz MDS Channels
• Incumbents will receive equivalent bandwidth in
  new band plan
• Commercial/educational dichotomy leasing
  retained
• 3-year period for incumbent proponents to
  develop transition plans on market-by-market
  basis
• FNPRM seeks comment on transition alternatives
  for markets where no transition plan emerges
  after 3 years
• Voucher option proposal for non-transition
  markets

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3650-3700 MHz

• Band Characteristics
• Government transfer band (formerly used for
  radar)
• Used by satellite earth stations, primarily on
  East and West Coast
• 3.5 GHz used internationally for licensed
  broadband (potential for Wi-MAX deployment)
• Report and Order (2005)
• Non-exclusive nationwide licensing
• Registration of base stations
• Use of band limited to contention-based devices
  capable of sharing
• Incumbent satellite earth stations protected

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Thank you!

• For more information
• FCC website www.fcc.gov
• WTB website wireless.fcc.gov
• E-mail David.Furth_at_fcc.gov
• Phone [phone]