The Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC” or “Commission”) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Declaratory Ruling, (“NPRM”) soliciting comments on issues concerning operations in the 3.5 GHz band was published in the Federal Register. Comments are due by October 7, 2024; and reply comments must be submitted on or before November 5, 2024.
As discussed in our August 27 Client Alert, the proposed rule changes that are of most interest to 3.5 GHz operators and equipment manufacturers concern raising the power levels of 3.5 GHz base stations, i.e., Citizens Band Service Devices (“CBSDs”), and end-user equipment (“UE”). The FCC seeks comment on its proposal to add one or more classes of higher power CBSDs and increase the power limit of UEs from 23 dBm to 26 dBm.
The Commission also seeks comments on various other proposed rules concerning:
- improving protection of federal 3.5 GHz users;
- enhancing offshore CBRS deployments;
- tweaking out-of-band emissions limits;
- updating spectrum access system (“SAS”) connectivity;
- mandating Time Division Duplex (“TDD”) coordination procedures;
- protecting Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) earth stations;
- whether professional installation should still be required for CBSDs; and
- whether critical users such as hospitals, public safety organizations, and local governments should be granted special interference protection in a limited portion of the unlicensed General Authorized Access (“GAA”) spectrum tier for indoor use within their buildings.
The CommLaw Group Can Help!
The CommLaw Group is happy to assist your business with deploying efficient and productive operation in the 3.5 GHz band, as well as guiding you through the myriads of authorizations, marketing, and installation rules for CBSDs. We will also work with you on submitting comments in this proceeding. The 3.5 GHz band is a gold mine for those who wish to implement wireless broadband, particularly on a local level. The FCC’s rules are constantly evolving, and now is the time to make your voice heard so that the new rules will benefit you.
CONTACT US NOW, WE ARE STANDING BY TO GUIDE YOUR COMPANY’S COMPLIANCE EFFORTS
Jonathan Marashlian – Tel: 703-714-1313 / Email: jsm@CommLawGroup.com
Michael Donahue – Tel: 703-714-1319 / Email: mpd@CommLawGroup.com
Ronald E. Quirk – Tel: 703-714-1305 / Email: req@CommLawGroup.com
