REGULATORY UPDATE >>
The Wireless Report
FCC opens 4.9 GHz spectrum; T-band repeal By John A. Prendergast, Managing Partner, Blooston Law (jap@bloostonlaw.com)
Applications
characterized as major under Part 22 of the FCC’s rules; Applications governed by Part 90 of the FCC’s rules, but only if such applications; Propose operation with 12.5 kHz bandwidth (11.25 kHz occupied bandwidth) or narrower channels, or Employ a technology that achieves the narrowband equivalent of at least one channel per 12.5 kHz of channel bandwidth for voice, and transmission rates of at least 4800 bits per second per 6.25 kHz for data systems operating with bandwidths greater than 12.5 kHz (narrowband-equivalent technology).
John Prendergast
FCC Cancels T-Band Spectrum Auction; Announces Processing of Renewal Applications for Part 90 and Part 22 Systems Operating on 470-512 MHz (T-Band) Spectrum and Other Application Filing Procedures The FY2021 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which was signed into law at the end of December, repealed the provision of the 2012 Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act that had required the FCC to auction the 470-512 MHz band (also known as the “T-Band”). This is an important development for public safety, which uses the T-Band extensively for emergency communications with first responders. The development also allows licensing to resume on the portion of the T-Band that is available for private land mobile operations.
safety entities and 700 industrial/ business entities. This month, the FCC has taken steps to implement the repeal of the mandate to auction the T-Band by (i) ordering the termination the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that was adopted in June 2020 to develop rules for the auction and (ii) issuing a Public Notice directing the Wireless Bureau and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau to (a) resume the processing of T-Band license renewal applications and (b) process all other pending T-Band applications provided that those applications had not included a request for waiver of the filing freeze.
Wireless use of the T-band consists of otherwise unused broadcast spectrum in TV channels 14 – 20 in 11 cities. The spectrum contains about 925 public-
TMA Dispatch | Spring 2021
The FCC has announced that it will open a 90-day filing window (March 22, 2021 until June 21, 2021) in order to accept the following categories of applications from incumbent T-Band licensees: Applications for modification of license characterized as minor under sections 1.929 and 1.947(b) of the FCC’s rules.
The usefulness of the T-Band for low power fixed alarm signaling will depend on whether it can function in an environment with higher powered co- and adjacent-channel signals, and whether operation on a secondary basis is acceptable when new high power land mobile operations may crop up nearby. That being said, there may be specific instances where no other suitable offset or Low Power Pool channels are available that a T-Band frequency may be a possible alternative. Also, if an alarm radio technology requires more power than allowed on central station offsets, the T-Band would allow up to 30 watts output power. In addition, the T-Band spectrum is available for mobile voice operations by an alarm company if needed. Jessica Rosenworcel Named Acting FCC Chairwoman On January 21, 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Commissioner [27]
