The wireless industry has revolutionized the way we connect, from facilitating work-from-home, distance learning, and telemedicine to enabling Americans to interact virtually in nearly every aspect of their daily lives. Key policymakers, federal regulators and lawmakers, have made it a top priority to ensure the wireless industry has the tools and resources it needs to respond to this evolving landscape. This blog provides monthly updates on actions by federal regulatory agencies responsible for communications policy and Congressional efforts to support wireless connectivity. And this month, we focus on the FCC's plan to open up drone frequencies.
Regulatory measures and initiatives
radio spectrum
FCC announces plans to make spectrum available to drones. On April 8, 2024, the FCC news release FCC Chairman Rosen Worcel announced that he has distributed a report and order containing proposed rules that would allow unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) (also known as drones) to communicate wirelessly in the 5 GHz band. . The FCC appears to envision the use of the 5 GHz band by UAS operations through a dynamic frequency management system. Chairman Rosenworcel explained: “The FCC must ensure that our frequency rules meet the current and future frequency needs of evolving technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems that can be important for disaster recovery, first responder rescue operations, and wildfire management. not.” The FCC has not yet released a copy of its report and order.
NTIA provides an update on the National Spectrum Strategy implementation plan. Posted by Charles Cooper of NTIA. blog Regarding government agency efforts related to the implementation of the National Spectrum Strategy. First, he noted that NTIA is targeting October for the distribution of Spectrum Relocation Fund funding for federal agency research in the 3.1-3.45 GHz band (the “lower 3 GHz band”) and the 7/8 GHz band. did. The blog post outlines the funding process, with NTIA and the Department of Defense jointly leading research in the lower 3 GHz band, and research in the 7/8 GHz band being led by NTIA and “affected federal agencies.” ” has confirmed that it will be co-led. Second, the blog post states that NTIA has begun work on dynamic spectrum sharing, but acknowledges that “updates may be much less frequent in the coming months.” Masu. Finally, the blog post explains that Derek Klopin has overall responsibility for the implementation of the National Spectrum Strategy. Charles Cooper will lead the lower 3 GHz effort. 7/8 GHz research will be led by Scott Patrick. Shiva Goel is Spectrum's new senior advisor.
Department of Defense releases lower 3 GHz band report. Following the September 2023 announcement, the Department of Defense (“DoD”) released its redacted version. report Launching in the lower 3 GHz band on April 3, 2024. This report summarizes the findings of a Department of Defense study regarding the use of the lower 3 GHz band in commercial wireless operations, stating that the spectrum used primarily by federal agencies can only be used by non-federal agencies if certain conditions are met. We conclude that it can be shared and used. This report has been shared with NTIA, which will work with the FCC to determine which frequencies will be made available for commercial use and when and how this will happen.
FCC allows additional use of 5.9 GHz band for connected cars. The FCC's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Office of Engineering and Technology, and Office of Wireless Communications (collectively, the “Bureau'') has released the following document: letter (i) certain state, regional, and local transportation authorities; (ii) Battelle Memorial Institute, a Federal Railroad Administration contractor; and (iii) some equipment for implementing Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything. Grants 11 separate exemption requests submitted by manufacturers. (“C-V2X”) technology that can be used to support automotive safety in the 5.9 GHz band. The Departments determined that granting a waiver would serve the public interest by facilitating the widespread deployment of C-V2X technology and imposed on waiver applicants the same technical requirements and limitations adopted in the agreement. Joint Waiver OrderAs modified by Joint Waiver Modification Order. Geographical area of exemption is limited to the parties' respective legal jurisdictions or territories including the geographic parameters ultimately defined by the License. The Departments reminded ITS licensees that they must register each roadside unit (“RSU”) with the FCC's Universal Licensing System before operating the RSU.
FCC asks if additional 900 MHz spectrum will be made available. The FCC's Wireless Communications Bureau (“WTB”) Public notice Request for Comments April 2, 2024 Petition for rulemaking This is a request to the FCC that states that the contracting parties have access to the 900 MHz band (particularly 896-901 MHz and 935-940 MHz bands). This band has historically been used to support two-way voice and data communications networks for public utilities, critical infrastructure, and corporate entities. This procedure will make available an additional 5/5 megahertz spectrum channel that can be used to support the growing demand for wide-area private and secure wireless broadband networks by these entities. The deadline for comments was May 2nd, and the deadline for responses to comments was May 18th.
FCC reminds tribal entities of performance requirements. WTB released Public notice Reminds 2.5 GHz band Tribal license holders of performance requirement deadlines. All new licensees within that band, including Tribal licensees, are subject to interim and final performance requirements within four years and within eight years of his or her initial license grant, respectively. Licensees will be required to submit notices evidencing completion of the relevant construction work by applicable deadlines, much of which is expected to be completed in October 2024.
Wireless network and infrastructure
FCC releases draft proposal to ban wireless device certifications from entities with national security concerns. On May 2, 2024, the FCC released a draft. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) This means that the FCC’s Equipment Licensing Programtarget list” includes, among others, Huawei. To implement this proposal, the FCC proposes a 10% ownership or control threshold and a 5% reporting threshold. Comments and reply comments on the NPRM are due 60 and 90 days, respectively, after publication in the Federal Register. The FCC is scheduled to vote on the NPRM at its May 23 public meeting.
The FCC will approve additional rip-and-replace extension requests and provide updates to Congress. The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (“WCB”) Public notice On April 30, 2024, it was announced that nine requests for an extension of the rip-and-replace deadline for support recipients had been granted. Granting these requests continues to be based on funding and supply chain issues. In this regard, the FCC issued the following statement on May 2, 2024: news release Chairman Rosenworcel, letter Provided Congress with its seventh update on the status of the Secure and Reliable Communications Network Reimbursement Program, highlighting the urgent need for additional funding. Chairman Rosenworcel explained, among other things, that redemption program participants currently have a rip-and-replace deadline from May 29, 2024 to February 4, 2025. To date, the WCB has granted 64 extensions, 52 of which (approximately 80%) are “based in whole or in part on funding shortfalls.” Additionally, the latest status update submitted by reimbursement program participants indicates that lack of full funding remains a barrier for 64% of participants. In fact, nearly 40% of participants reported failing to meet their rip-and-replace obligations. without it Additional government funding. Finally, the Chair noted that failure to adequately fund reimbursement programs could have serious consequences for participants and their customers, not only potentially reducing the availability of providers in their area, but also emphasized that legitimate national security concerns could arise if the information remained within U.S. communications. network.
The FCC has announced the effective date of a rule facilitating supplemental reception from space. through news Published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, the FCC announced the rules. Facilitate Supplemental Coverage from Space (“SCS”) becomes effective May 30, 2024. Additional Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ( Comments and replies to “Additional Notice”) Astronomy and SCS deadline May 30th and July 1st respectively.
Government Audit Office reports on grant of delay. On April 10, 2024, the U.S. General Accounting Office (“GAO”) released the following report: report About the performance of federal agencies processing permit applications for communications infrastructure. GAO notes that although the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) and the Forest Service process most applications from telecommunications providers, these agencies often have 270 days to grant or deny applications. We discovered that we didn't have enough data to track it. , which is required by law. Although real-world data shows improvements in processing times, approximately half of applications either exceed the 270-day deadline or do not have enough accurate and complete information to determine whether the deadline has been met. did. Accordingly, GAO has made six recommendations (to which BLM and the Forest Service have agreed) to improve the handling of telecommunications applications.
wireless service
FCC seeks comment on the impact of connected cars on domestic violence victims. On April 8, 2024, the FCC Further notice We are seeking comment on additional ways that we can help victims of domestic violence, particularly regarding the use of wireless and connected car services. The additional notice specifically requests information regarding connected car services offered by wireless service providers and automakers. We are also seeking comment on proactive steps that can be taken to protect survivors from stalking, harassment, intimidation, and other re-victimization due to misuse of connected car services. The deadline for comments and responses to comments is 30 and 60 days, respectively, after the additional notice is published in the Federal Register, which has not yet been published. in news release In response to the additional notice, Chairman Rosenworcel commented as follows: “Victims of domestic violence and abuse should never have to choose between giving up their car and being stalked and harmed by those who have access to their car’s connections and data.”
legislative efforts
Senate introduces bill to restore FCC auction authority. On April 30, 2024, Senator Cantwell said: Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024. If passed, the bill would restore the FCC's auction authority until September 30, 2029, and future auction proceeds would fully fund the rip-and-replace program. The Senate's adoption of the bill was scheduled for May 1, 2024, but it has been postponed due to more than 20 amendments to the bill.
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