FCC Order Seeks to Promote Broader Use of 4.9 GHz Band
The FCC approved on a 5-0 vote Wednesday changes to rules designed to push more widespread use of the 4.9 GHz band. The band, once set aside for federal operations, was reallocated to public safety a decade ago, but is little used today. Almost all public safety focus in recent years has been on its fight for a wireless broadband network in the 700 MHz band. Among proposals on which the agency will seek comment is whether to allow commercial use of the 4.9 band by utilities and other critical infrastructure providers and possibly other companies as well.
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A commission report and order makes technical changes to Part 90 rules and clarifies the 4.9 GHz channel plan, officials said. A further notice of proposed rulemaking asks a battery of questions about how to stimulate use of the spectrum. The FCC also seeks comment on whether it should establish formal coordination requirements and whether use of the band by non-public safety users should be on a secondary basis, subject to shutdown requirements. The notice also asks how the band can be used to “compliment” a national public safety network in the 700 MHz band, which was at least partly funded by February’s spectrum law. The order was posted late Wednesday (http://xrl.us/bnbo8p).
"The 4.9 GHz broadband spectrum is important because it presents a contiguous block of 50 megahertz of spectrum that is dedicated to public safety,” said Public Safety Bureau Chief David Turetsky. “The 4.9 GHz spectrum enables public safety users to set up temporary, mesh networks at scenes of emergencies, monitor sensitive locations remotely with point-to-point video links and set up citywide Wi-Fi networks to give first responders dedicated broadband access.” Turetsky said the 4.9 GHz band could potentially be used to provide backhaul for public safety operations in the 700 MHz band and provide connectivity at remote locations.
All five commissioners expressed general support for the order, in comments at the monthly meeting Wednesday. The order has not proven controversial and got little debate on the eighth floor at the FCC over the last few weeks, agency officials said.
Commissioner Robert McDowell said he’s pleased the FCC was finally addressing the 4.9 GHz band. “Here we are 10 years later,” he said. “The commission’s staff informs me that only about 2,400 of the approximately 87,500 local government jurisdictions across the U.S. actually hold licenses in the 4.9 GHz band.” McDowell warned that many public safety officials have told him the band isn’t suitable for the advanced communications services they most need: “In the meantime, I can’t help but imagine what may have been had the spectrum been auctioned back in 2002."
"Since spectrum has become such a premium, when the commission finds that a particular spectrum band is being underutilized, it is imperative that the agency encourages greater use of this precious resource,” said Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. “This is as true for spectrum allocated to public safety as it is for spectrum allocated for commercial services.” The proceeding “is an opportunity to reboot, reinvigorate and remake possibilities in the 4.9 GHz band,” Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said. “Its one of the many necessary and incremental steps in the broader struggle to free up additional spectrum to meet our nation’s ever-growing demand,’ said Commissioner Ajit Pai. “We should be reminded that even with the best intentions, time is not our ally in combating the spectrum shortage. It can takes years to bring spectrum into the marketplace."
The Utilities Telecom Council said critical infrastructure companies are anxious to make use of the band. “The 4.9 GHz band would provide utilities with access to 50 MHz of spectrum that can support high capacity and short range communications for a variety of applications including substation monitoring and backhaul of advanced metering data,” UTC said. “In addition, the decision may open further opportunities to use the spectrum for interoperability among utilities and public safety during and after emergencies such as hurricanes and ice storms.”