Wi-Fi Alliance, IEEE Raise Concerns on Amtrak Wi-Fi Waiver Request

rules under which its Wi-Fi network operates so it can offer more robust service along its key Northeast Corridor (see 1612220013). Amtrak said limits in the UNII-1 band, output power of 250 mW with antenna gain up to 6 dBi, would mean it would have to spend more on stations than if it were allowed to operate at higher power levels. In effect, it asked to operate at levels allowed for fixed point-to-point operations, even though its trains move from place to place. “Wi-Fi Alliance applauds Amtrak for recognizing Wi-Fi as a key component of service to its customers,” the alliance said in a filing in docket 16-415. “However, Amtrak should demonstrate that the benefit its customers will receive will not impose a cost on other users of the 5 GHz band. Wi-Fi Alliance therefore requests that the Commission require Amtrak to provide further evidence of compatibility with other 5 GHz operations before the Commission grants the requested waiver.” An IEEE committee raised similar concerns. “Amtrak has provided no technical details regarding their network, no simulation results or measured data, and no characterization of the environment,” said IEEE 802, which oversees local area and metropolitan area networks. “With no information we cannot begin to understand its impact on neighboring Wi-Fi networks.” Globalstar said that after the request was filed it commissioned a study by Roberson and Associates and asked Amtrak officials questions. “Based on its analysis and these discussions, Globalstar does not object to the Commission’s grant of Amtrak’s waiver request given its very limited deployment and unique design, as long as such grant is narrowly tailored and includes all of the conditions proposed by Amtrak in its request,” Globalstar wrote.