The FCC plans to take up at its agenda meeting Nov. 13 a notice o...
The FCC plans to take up at its agenda meeting Nov. 13 a notice of inquiry and proposal on the development and use of a so-called “interference temperature.” The idea of a possible interference temperature (IT) was among the…
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ideas for reforming spectrum policy outlined in last fall’s Spectrum Policy Task Force (SPTF) report to the FCC. The idea would cap the noise environment in which receivers would be required to operate. To the extent the ceiling wasn’t reached in a band, a user below that limit would gain additional operating flexibility. The items also will address “managing the transition from the current transmitter-based approach for interference management to the new interference temperature paradigm.” The FCC said it would take up IT limits and procedures for assessing the interference for expanded unlicensed operation. The idea of an interference temperature was among the group’s more controversial findings, with many telecom providers raising concerns about the potential for increased interference risk for incumbent users. Also on the agenda is an SPTF report to the FCC on the status of implementation of its recommendations one year after its release. The Commission will consider a report and order and 2nd further notice on the scope of Enhanced 911 rules. The agency last Dec. adopted a further notice to examine whether mobile satellite service operators, multiline phone systems, IP telephony providers, wireless resellers and telematics systems should meet E911 mandates, in addition to wireless carriers that already were bound by those obligations. The FCC also will take up a report and order that would provide an additional 255 MHz of spectrum for unlicensed wireless devices, including Wi-Fi systems, at 5 GHz, following up a decision at the World Radio Conference (WRC-03) this summer. Earlier this year the FCC approved a proposal to make that spectrum available (CD May 16 p2) for unlicensed use, proposing a requirement for dynamic frequency selection in certain bands to protect military radars from interference. Two other items also deal with the WRC-03. The FCC Office of Engineering & Technology (OET) will present a report on implementation of WRC-03 results. In a briefing Thurs., International Bureau (IB) Chief Donald Abelson said the Commission was “doing fine” with implementation: “By any calculation or standard, if you were to look at how well we have done on implementing WRC-03 so soon after the meeting compared to the way that the Commission implemented past WRCs, we'd come out way ahead.” His bureau also will consider a rulemaking on earth stations aboard vessels (ESVs). WRC-03 approved ESVs in the 5925-6425 MHz and 14- 14.5 GHz bands. The Commission also started an inquiry on such devices (IB 02-10) that has studied the regulatory framework for implementing the use of ESVs. Some commenters had asked the Commission to approve ESVs before WRC-03. Finally, the FCC also will consider modifying its rules to improve the effectiveness of the program that provides discounts to rural health care providers to access modern technology for medical purposes. A companion to the e-rate program for schools and libraries, the rural health care program never has attracted many applications for funding.