FCC seeking comments on spectrum needs
updated 03:35 pm EDT, Fri September 25, 2009
FCC sets Oct. 23rd deadline for spectrum feedback
As part of its ongoing attempt to expand the wireless spectrum for its national broadband plan, the FCC has now opened comments to the public asking whether the so-called "prime bands" below 3.7GHz, considered ideal for wireless data and video, are sufficient for the near- and long-term demands of wireless broadband. The FCC seeks to get information from industry players by October 23rd regarding the ability of the current spectrum to support future build-outs and which bands are best suited for mobile or fixed wireless broadband.
There is also the question of what issues stand in the way of moving spectrum from a public interest point of view, and the ability of the current spectrum to support backup methods when the primary network, often known as the backhaul, is unavailable.
T-Mobile and Motorola have already expressed the need for more spectrum as demands grow. AT&T, Ericsson and Clearwire have also noted a need for more spectrum. Others have called for a more efficient use of the current licensed spectrum, however.
One possible source of more spectrum, and one that is being pushed for by carriers such as T-Mobile, includes re-auctioning the section of the 700MHz band that is currently utilized for commercial uses. [via FierceWireless]
