WIA: FCC Moves to Open More Unlicensed Spectrum

FCC Moves to Open More Unlicensed Spectrum

Feb. 20, 2013 | Wireless Week

On Wednesday, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to make 195 megahertz of additional spectrum in the 5GHz band available for unlicensed usage. Currently, unlicensed devices operate in 555 megahertz of spectrum in the 5 GHz band. The proposed changes would allow devices to use wider bandwidth channels and increase speed. The Wireless Innovation Alliance (WIA) said the FCC’s proposal was a step in the right direction but emphasized the need for "both unlicensed and licensed spectrum at different frequency ranges across the spectrum bands to support and maximize all applications and innovations."

The Wireless Innovation Alliance (WIA) is a broad-based group of innovators, providers, consumer groups, think tanks and education organizations that believe that more efficient use and expanded access to the nation’s spectrum resources are fundamental to the future of U.S. economic policy and global competitiveness, and that we face potential spectrum scarcities in both licensed and unlicensed bands that must be addressed in order for innovation and investment to move forward.

" New @FCC Acting Chair Clyburn champions unlicensed #spectrum at CTIA | http://t.co/yx2Fnbtb1D "
5:55 PM May 21st