Reallocating spectrum for wireless backhaul is “essential” to “support the...
Reallocating spectrum for wireless backhaul is “essential” to “support the rapid deployment of next generation wireless services including mobile broadband,” PCIA said in comments on the FCC’s August wireless backhaul rulemaking (http://xrl.us/bmfepb). PCIA also said the FCC should “carefully weigh…
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the benefits” of changing its technical parameters “to allow smaller backhaul antennas in the build out of wireless networks and their supporting infrastructure.” The FCC should also make it easier for carriers to get local approval for proposed wireless facilities, PCIA said (http://xrl.us/bmfeny). “The cost of local regulatory review of collocations and modifications of existing wireless facilities can be significant, both in time and money.” MetroPCS said in a filing at the agency that “cost-efficient access to adequate backhaul will be a key factor in promoting robust competition in the wireless marketplace” (http://xrl.us/bmfen2). Antenna standards should be relaxed to allow smaller antennas and wider bandwidths, MetroPCS agreed. “Smaller antennas are less expensive to install and maintain, and will result in reduced site rental costs,” the carrier said. “These cost savings will stimulate investment. In addition, wider bandwidths will allow mobile wireless broadband services to accommodate advanced functionalities such as video and Internet browsing which require greater bandwidth capacity.” The Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition also supported a move to allow smaller antennas (http://xrl.us/bmfeon), saying “smaller antennas are less expensive to manufacture, install, and maintain, and pose fewer siting difficulties.” The coalition said more spectrum must be made available for wireless backhaul. Fixed Service sharing in the 7 and 13 GHz bands “is a step in the right direction and will permit some new Fixed Service operations in lightly populated areas,” the group said. “By itself, however, 7/13 GHz sharing will not resolve the nationwide need for wireless backhaul spectrum, particularly in high-demand parts of the country. We urge the Commission to consider allocating additional bands for Fixed Services -- in particular, to implement Federal/non-Federal sharing in the 7125-8500 band.” Clearwire said it supports a proposal for smaller antennas in the 6, 18 and 23 GHz bands (http://xrl.us/bmfewc). “The use of smaller diameter antennas, especially at 23 and 18 GHz, will significantly increase the number of candidate sites/towers that Clearwire can consider for wireless backhaul while reducing deployment costs and structural modifications,” the company said.