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2:00 P.M. – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012 ENTERPRISE WIRELESS ALLIANCE EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND MCLEAN, VIRGINIA Do We Still Have a 470-512 MHz Home?
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Presenters Mark E. Crosby President/CEO Enterprise Wireless Alliance Elizabeth R. Sachs, Esq. EWA Regulatory Counsel Lucas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP 2
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Middle Class Tax relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 “The Spectrum Reform Bill” 700 MHz commercial “D Block” reallocated for public safety First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) established within NTIA $7B+ from broadcast spectrum auction provided FirstNet for nationwide system deployment and operation FCC provided “incentive auction” authority FCC directed to utilize reverse auctions 3
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Middle Class Tax relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 “The Spectrum Reform Bill” Nine years after enactment (February 22, 2021) FCC shall reallocate the 470-512 MHz spectrum (T-Band) “currently used by public safety eligibles and auction this spectrum” Auction proceeds will be available for NTIA to provide grants to cover public safety relocation costs Critical Observations No mention of Industrial/Business (“I/B”) usage – but assume I/B systems will need to relocate as well No mention of alternative comparable spectrum to accommodate either public safety or I/B relocated systems 4
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FCC and Industry Responses FCC appoints Incentive Auction Task Force -Ruth Milkman/Gary Epstein serve as Co-Chairpersons -Economic and auction experts retained to assist effort -120 MHz of broadcast spectrum targeted for broadband FCC establishes Technical Advisory Board for first responder interoperability FCC issues PN seeking comment on transfer of PS broadband license from PSST to FirstNet 5
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FCC and Industry Responses APCO requests FCC to relieve PS T-Band licensees from obligation to narrowband Chicago requests FCC for “Advisory Opinion” on which band(s) it should consider as available for relocation LMCC appoints T-Band Working Group to assist FCC in its deliberations 6
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FCC and Industry Responses FCC announces that it will soon issue a blanket narrowbanding exemption for both PS and I/B T-Band systems FCC announces that it will soon “freeze” both PS and I/B applications for new systems and applications from incumbent licensees seeking either additional spectrum or geographic coverage Critical Observations FCC is responding very quickly to these legislative mandates PS and I/B licensees treated the same (initially) Responses are best made following a careful review of the actual written FCC notices 7
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What’s at Stake For I/B and PMRS carrier incumbents, there are … -281 unique licensees operating -910 unique call signs (systems) utilizing -7,556 unique frequencies at -431 unique sites Eleven (not thirteen!) markets, specifically -Boston-Chicago -Dallas/Ft. Worth-Houston -Los Angeles-Miami -New York-Philadelphia -Pittsburgh-San Francisco -Balt/Washington 8
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Near Term Issues Narrowbanding Exemption -Those who already invested in narrowband may be able to recoup that cost (relocation reimbursement) -Current or planned initiatives perhaps should continue in order to gain spectrum efficiency and new device features -Need to interpret impact of forthcoming licensing freeze policy language Licensing Freeze - Not a lot of spectrum or geographic capacity remaining -More capacity through digital transition – considered more spectrum? -Pending applications at FCC? 9
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Long Term Alternatives Would a future Congress change the law regarding repurposing the 470-512 MHz band? - Unlikely if "broadband at all costs” fervor continues unabated -470-512 MHz spectrum and affected markets are considered beach front property -Auction revenues are always welcome - PS would rather gain 10 MHz than retain T-Band Critical questions for I/B licensees -Is there comparable exclusive spectrum where I/B systems may migrate? (Unused PS spectrum?) -What is the source(s) of I/B system relocation funding? -Will the FCC pay attention to I/B licensee interests? 10
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Long Term Alternatives Accommodating I/B Requirements Overlay auctions -Mandated relocation by auction winner to comparable spectrum with full reimbursement or at set compensation levels -Voluntary relocation by auction winner subject to negotiations -Auction winner protects incumbent systems Voluntary participation in T-Band auctions -Incentive auction -Reverse auction 11
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Final Observations The FCC admits that interpreting the provisions of the legislation is a challenging exercise Rules and policies will be subject to public comments through regulatory proceedings – including how I/B incumbents are treated In the past, the wireless capacity and financial needs of incumbents in repurposed bands have been reasonably accommodated A percentage of I/B incumbents are pleased with thisnine to eleven year exit strategy EWA will be an advocate on behalf of I/B and commercial licensees throughout the process – comments and recommendations are always welcome! 12
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Contacting EWA www.enterprisewireless.org 800.482.8282 703.797.5114 – Mark Crosby mark.crosby@enterprisewireless.org Membership membership@enterprisewireless.org Bi-Weekly Regulatory Calls, Insider E-newsletter, Special Bulletins 13
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Thank you! Questions? 14
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