6 GHz Band Petitions for Reconsideration

APCO, CTIA, the Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition (FWCC), and Verizon have all filed Petitions for Reconsideration of the FCC’s Report and Order permitting unlicensed operations on 1,200 megahertz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band.  APCO and FWCC’s petitions expressed concerns over the Order’s measures to prevent interference to incumbent 6 GHz licensees, while CTIA and Verizon argued that the FCC’s Order should have authorized higher power unlicensed devices operating under Automated Frequency Coordination.  

T-Band Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Last week the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to commence the process of reallocating and auctioning the T-Band (470-512 MHz) as directed by Congress in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Vol. XVII, Issue 21).  The NPRM seeks comment on reallocating the T-Band, assigning new licensing by auction, and relocating incumbent public safety entities from the band.  The Government Accountability Office reported to Congress that the T-band mandate is unworkable and could deprive first responders of their current ability to communicate by radio.  Accordingly, FCC Chairman Pai has asked lawmakers to repeal the mandate to auction the band, and draft legislation to repeal the bill have been introduced by the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.  Comments are due July 30.  

Bill Introduced to Update National Broadband Plan

Rep. Anna Eshoo ((D-Calif.) introduced the National Broadband Plan for the Future Act last week, which would direct the FCC to update the national broadband plan by reassessing areas of focus and strategy for ensuring access to broadband Internet access service and examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, teleworking, and receiving medical information, among other areas, as well as the impact of the pandemic on Americans’ reliance on broadband.