FCC PUSHES FOR QUICK ACTION ON 5 GHZ TESTING PROCEDURES

摘要

Testing criteria for devices operating in the 5 GHz band are on the fast-track for FCC approval. The Commission抯 proceeding ultimately will open an additional 255 MHz of spectrum to unlicensed use including wireless broadband. The Commission set up a lightning-fast comment period, in which all comments and replies must be completed in a total of 15 days. Rather than issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the FCC sought comment on objections to a 2003 order that were themselves more than 2 years old. The Commission wants to act quickly because DoD has largely embraced the dynamic frequency selection (DFS) technology to be used for the 5 GHz spectrum and hopes to see it used more widely to help curb interference with military radars, sources said Thurs. DFS works by 揹ynamically?telling a transmitter to move to another channel when interference, such as from a military radar signal, arises. Devices using DFS also will monitor availability of unobstructed spectrum prior to transmitting. nnOne source said the FCC saw no reason to release an NPRM, especially since the testing rules had been vetted in a committee representing DoD, the Commerce Department抯 National Telecom & Information Administration, FCC and industry. 揊or 2 or 3 years it has been an open proceeding under an open federal advisory committee,?the source said: 揘o one has objected to the conclusions that are reached.?/font>