Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. Hollings (D-S.C.) urged FCC Chmn....

wireless networks at 5 GHz while addressing DoD needs. Fate of 5 GHz spectrum has been among more closely watched of pending proposals for next WRC on allocation of certain bands in that spectrum for broadband access using wireless LANs while protecting existing services. NTIA has raised interference concerns, questioning maturity of studies on dynamic frequency allocation systems that could be used to bolster support for global harmonization of wireless LAN operations in band. Besides Hollings, Aug. 6 letter to top-ranking communications officials was signed by ranking committee Republican McCain (R-Ariz.), Sens. Boxer (D-Cal.), Edwards (D-N.C.), Kerry (D- Mass.). They said WRC 2003 would consider global allocation of entire 465 MHz at 5 GHz for use by unlicensed broadband networks. In U.S., parts of that band now are allocated for both military and unlicensed broadband commercial uses. “With respect to sharing and interference concerns, we understand that technical strategies can be employed to allow military radars and broadband wireless networks to share spectrum,” letter said. Senators said unlicensed broadband wireless networks had been deployed in schools, offices and homes as well as public areas such as airports and coffee shops “to provide Internet access to anyone who might need it… In the future, unlicensed wireless networks may well provide a next-generation broadband last-mile connection to the home and, as a result, may create a truly competitive broadband market.” Agenda item for next WRC is to address spectrum requirements for mobile, fixed, Earth exploration satellite and space research services and to review radiolocation service at 5150-5725 MHz. Draft proposal under consideration in U.S., which has been provided as input to U.S. position, would provide that wireless LAN stations at 5150-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz not cause harmful interference to other stations with primary allocations. Globalstar and ICO Global Communications raised concerns about proposed primary allocation for those systems. Senators told Powell, Victory and Stenbit that unlicensed wireless networks could provide “important national security benefits to homeland defense, to public safety agencies and even to the development of battlefield networks.” They said continued growth of those networks and their potential to provide last-mile broadband connections to homes, as well as mesh networks that could remain running in emergencies, “depends on the robust use of the 5 GHz band.” Letter said: “It is our hope that you will be able to resolve the sharing issues and develop a U.S. position that allows for the growth of high-speed wireless networks while addressing the needs of the Department of Defense.”