Bill to create more unlicensed spectrum for broadband was introdu...
Bill to create more unlicensed spectrum for broadband was introduced Tues. by Sens. Boxer (D-Cal.) and Allen (R- Va.), as expected (CD Jan 15 p1). S-159 largely reflects bill they introduced late in 107th Congress, calling for 255 MHz…
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of additional unlicensed spectrum. However, Boxer said that to address concerns of cellular community, spectrum would be limited to the 5 GHz band. Previous bill called for allocation below 6 GHz, which concerned cellular operators below 3 GHz. Allen said 5 GHz designation would “harmonize wireless devices in the United States with the international allocation in countries like Japan, Brazil, Canada and Europe,” adding that band had favorable propagation. Band limitation is significant in that Boxer and Allen both said one aim of bill was to promote Wi-Fi, but what most people consider Wi-Fi, 802.11b, operates at 2.4 GHz. Faster wireless LAN service, 802.11a, operates at 5 GHz but is used primarily by businesses. Boxer said bill also was modified to limit any FCC rules to “ensure robust and efficient use of the spectrum for broadband delivery services.” Both Boxer and Allen touted wireless Internet as way to speed broadband rollout, with Boxer saying that in rural areas, “wireless technologies have the potential to allow communities to use signal repeaters to bring Internet connections to places where wires do not reach, or where the signal over the wire is too weak.” But Allen said Wi-Fi “is only the beginning and this legislation will create an environment where cognitive radios and dynamic frequency selection of technologies can grow and innovate to offer services unimaginable today.” Bill would give NTIA 180 days to consult with agencies such as Dept. of Defense on interference standards, and FCC would have 360 days to adopt “minimal technical and device rules” for unlicensed spectrum. It was referred to Senate Commerce Committee.