Wireless Groups Seek Protections for 700 MHz A-Block
CTIA and the Rural Cellular Association jointly asked the FCC to prohibit the future licensing of TV stations on channel 51 and freeze all applications for new or modified broadcast facilities seeking to operate on the channel. The groups also said the commission should accelerate clearance of channel 51 where incumbent broadcasters have agreed to move to an alternate position.
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Clearing channel 51 is critical to protecting the 700 MHz A-block, sold by the FCC in the 700 MHz auction, from interference, CTIA and RCA said in a petition for rulemaking. The A-block was sold in 214 12-MHz chunks, with both small and large carriers winning licenses in the 2008 auction. The costs varied widely, from less than $1 million in some smaller markets to Verizon Wireless’s successful bid of more than $580 million for a license covering the Los Angeles area.
"Petitioners do not ask the Commission to disturb existing operations on Channel 51,” the wireless groups said. “Rather, we urge the Commission to take action to prevent additional stations from commencing operation in this channel in the future and to accelerate clearance of the channel by broadcasters who voluntarily agree to do so.” Taking the steps suggested “will provide 700 MHz A Block licensees with a clear picture of the interference environment in the band, and enable them to plan deployment of their networks,” they said.
The petition notes that Commissioner Meredith Baker raised red flags on channel 51 interference in her comments on the TV spectrum innovation rulemaking. One major complication is that the FCC requires the same level of interference protection for both current and future operations on Channel 51, the groups said. “In other words, it is possible for an A Block licensee to build out an extensive broadband network, only to later find the investment undermined -- or completely negated -- by a new Channel 51 licensee that the A Block network operator must protect,” the petition said. “This fact creates a dangerous opportunity for those who would seek a Channel 51 license to exploit opportunities for personal gain at the expense of an A Block licensee that either built out a network or that was looking to build out rapidly in the same market."
"This is one of many important steps toward maximizing the full use of the 700 MHz spectrum,” said RCA President Steve Berry. “The FCC should prevent the broadcast stations from causing interference from Channel 51. As an additional step, I encourage the Commission to look to interoperability as the surest way to enable the deployment of innovative wireless services and fully utilize available spectrum.”