A proposal by the Broadband Access Coalition for the 3.7 GHz band likely faces a tough time getting FCC approval, especially against a rival plan by an Intel-led group, even though it got lots of support from wireless ISPs and others (see 1708080050), officials said. The Intel-led plan for the 3.7-4.3 GHz band has buy-in from some big players including Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, the Wi-Fi Alliance, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, based on a July 19 filing in docket 17-183. The main proponents of the BAC proposal are Mimosa Networks, the Wireless ISP Association and New America’s Open Technology Institute.

The FCC launched a notice of inquiry Thursday seeking comment on mid-band spectrum for 5G and other wireless broadband. Intel hailed the launch, but the Wireless ISP Association said the NOI is at best a mixed bag. It's expected to be on a fast track, industry officials said. A big fight is likely brewing between two rival proposals, one led by Mimosa and WISPA, through the Broadband Access Coalition, and a second by Intel and other major players (see 1707240061). FCC members also approved several other items unanimously (see 1708030026).

CTIA officials expressed general support for the pending notice of inquiry on mid-band spectrum, in a meeting with aides to all three FCC commissioners, said a filing in docket 17-183. It “commended the Commission’s recognition of the need to bring additional mid-band spectrum to market. CTIA also complemented recent Commission efforts to address low- and high-band spectrum and its specific focus on the 3.7-4.2 GHz and 6 GHz bands.” The NOI is set for a vote at Thursday’s commission meeting.

Commissioner Mike O’Rielly, tasked by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai with overseeing changes to rules for the 3.5 GHz band, expects new rules in early 2018, he told a Free State Foundation conference Tuesday, where new Wireless Bureau Chief Donald Stockdale also spoke.

A notice of inquiry on mid-band spectrum, circulated by Chairman Ajit Pai July 13 (see 1707130059), is likely to be approved with support of all three commissioners, proving once again that spectrum is usually nonpartisan, industry and FCC officials said Monday. That doesn’t mean there isn’t controversy. A fight is already on between Mimosa and Intel and others over a key band -- 3.7 GHz. Other fights are likely, especially since satellite companies and other incumbents are already in many of the bands getting FCC attention.

Chairman Ajit Pai will continue his push on rural broadband deployment at commissioners' Aug. 3 meeting in what he called "Rural Broadband Month at the FCC." He circulated draft items, including a public notice initiating the pre-auction process for the Connect America Fund Phase II auction and addressing the challenge process for the Mobility Fund II (MF-II) auction. Commissioners also would consider changes to Form 477, which collects broadband data and a notice of inquiry on midband spectrum. The CAF Phase II draft public notice would propose procedures for implementing a reverse auction of about $2 billion in broadband subsidies.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is teeing up a notice of inquiry for the Aug. 3 commissioners' meeting on the future of mid-band spectrum, industry and agency officials said. A coalition led by Intel is preparing a statement in support of a proposal for the mid-band that goes beyond what was proposed by Mimosa and other companies for the 3.7 GHz band. Commissioner Mike O’Rielly referenced the Intel-led proposal in a Monday blog post (see 1707100049). It's unclear whether the coalition will file the proposal at the FCC, given the expected NOI.

FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly expressed general support for a still-to-be-filed proposal to make more efficient use of the “underutilized” 3.7-4.2 GHz band, mainly used by fixed satellite services operators. O'Rielly raised concerns about a proposal recently filed by the Broadband Access Coalition, which faces opposition from satellite operators trying to protect their spectrum (see 1706210044). Instead, O’Rielly indicated likely support for a second proposal that has yet to be formally filed but is under development by Intel and others. “Although others have ideas on what to do with these particular bands, I believe the best option would be to pursue a proposal put forth by a large, ad hoc coalition of equipment manufacturers, wireless providers, and unlicensed users,” O’Rielly wrote. “Under the coalition proposal, existing licensees would either be protected or otherwise accommodated,” O’Rielly wrote. “For example, the fixed service users in the 6 GHz band would be protected by unlicensed users and could expand their usage. The Commission will have the opportunity to consider the best means to protect incumbents as part of any proceeding. Additionally, the Commission can also consider ways in which certain incumbents can be compensated to leave these bands.”

A possible deal between Sprint and Charter Communications or Comcast to help the cable operators provide a wireless offering is likely much easier for federal regulators to approve than a Sprint/T-Mobile combination, said industry lawyers and former FCC officials. Vertical deals often raise fewer competitive concerns than horizontal ones between two companies offering the same services. Rather than taking one of the four national wireless carriers out of the market, a Sprint and cable deal potentially would inject new competition, the officials said.

The FCC’s FY 2018 budget request includes plans for an additional $6 billion spectrum auction, to take place between 2025 and 2027, but offers no more details. Industry lawyers, including former FCC and Capitol Hill officials, said at this stage, the FCC goal may be mostly aspirational and government doesn’t appear to be focused on a particular band. The budget document proposes to extend FCC auction authority to 2027, from a current expiration of 2025. “The Budget proposes to require the auction of additional spectrum by 2027 and further extend the FCC’s auction authority solely to allow this auction to proceed,” it said.