CEA said the FCC should “reject requests to mandate interoperability...
CEA said the FCC should “reject requests to mandate interoperability across all paired spectrum in the Lower 700 MHz band.” The suggestion came in comments filed Friday at the FCC. A 700 MHz interoperability mandate “would increase handset and deployment…
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costs in the 700 MHz Band, which would hamper innovation in the dynamic and innovative wireless handset marketplace by reducing the options manufacturers and service providers have to meet their customers’ needs, and delay broadband deployment,” CEA said (http://xrl.us/bm93x3). “A mandate also would undermine future spectrum auctions and standards-setting efforts.” The interoperability requirement has been a top focus of small carriers, led by the Rural Cellular Association. The Telecommunications Industry Association also filed in opposition, saying such a mandate would delay development of devices targeted for the band. “Device manufacturers face significant technical hurdles to create devices that can operate across all 700 MHz bands,” TIA said (http://xrl.us/bm93yh). “For example, additional components such as filters, power amplifiers, and switches, would need to be inserted into wireless devices. This concern is exacerbated by the fact that, in order to ensure compliance with an interoperability mandate, handsets may be unable to roam onto other bands for national and international service. The number of bands which can be supported by a wireless device are limited, and a handset likely cannot support both roaming and operation across all 700 MHz bands."