The FCC voted Thurs. to seek comment on whether it should allow i...
The FCC voted Thurs. to seek comment on whether it should allow installation of smaller antennas by fixed service operators in the 10.7-11.7 GHz band. FiberTower, a wireless backhaul provider, requested the regulatory change in July 2004, saying it…
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would allow the company to use much smaller antennas, which weigh 35 lbs. vs. 125 lbs. for the larger antennas, and cost 1/3 as much. But the proposal has been opposed by the Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA), which has raised interference concerns. Comr. Adelstein complained that the Commission took too long to release the rulemaking. “If we truly are going to be serious about promoting the deployment of spectrum-based services, and wireless broadband in particular, we must place a higher priority on moving these spectrum policy matters forward,” he said. Comr. McDowell said he hoped the FCC would wrap up the proceeding quickly. “Prompt action by the Commission really is essential so that the companies seeking relief, as well as others interested in entering the marketplace, can begin offering microwave backhaul service in the 11 GHz band in areas where 2-foot antennas are the most effective means of meeting customer needs,” he said.