Canadians urge regulator south of the border to pick 1700 MHz band for 3G

Two Canadian wireless groups are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to put spectrum harmonization above the demands of the U.S. military in designating a band for third generation wireless networks. The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association and the Radio Advisory Board of Canada stress to the FCC that most countries in the Americas prefer the 1700 MHz band for 3G in North America, because it’s contiguous to the 1900 MHz already being used on either side of the U.S. border. The CWTA and the RABC made the comments in response to an FCC Preliminary Rulemaking released earlier this year (RoW, Jan. 22/01). The two Canadian groups contend, as does the International Telecommunication Union, that at least 160 MHz of additional spectrum will be needed by 2010 or earlier to support the introduction of 3G wireless services. Most of that extra spectrum would be in the 1700 MHz band. "This would be the best and most efficient course of action for the Americas. The Canadian wireless industry believes that to be useful, the spectrum allocated to 3G services must be contiguous," David Farnes, VP of regulatory affairs at the CWTA, writes in its Feb. 22 submission. "Piecemeal availability will not allow operators to achieve the potential of 3G." The CWTA and the RABC recognize, however, that concessions will need to be given to the U.S. military and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) so that some military operations can be migrated to another band. One suggestion is the use of a unique pairing system in the 1700 MHz and the 2100 MHz range that would could accommodate existing military activities and 3G networks. Harmonization key to 3G Wireless customers have come to expect that when they travel across North America, their wireless devices will continue to function. Much of this roaming capability is guaranteed by having similar equipment requirements. Ensuring that same ease of movement exists with 3G is essential, Canadian interests maintain. "Requiring operators to acquire unique equipment designed for a non-aligned North American market would unnecessarily increase costs and further inhibit the development and competitiveness of the North American wireless industry," Farnes writes. "We believe the FCC should recognize the importance of the relationships between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners, including the potential for cross-border roaming." The Canadian contingency has some supporters south of the border in identifying the 1700 MHz range as the primary 3G band. The U.S.-based fixed wireless lobby, the Wireless Communications Association (WCA), contends there is ample spectrum elsewhere and doesn’t need already allocated spectrum in other bands. MMDS/MCS and instructional television systems operate in the 2100 and 2500 MHz bands which have also been designated by the ITU as 3G bands. "The marginal benefits (if any) to mobile service providers of clearing the 2.1 and 2.5 GHz bands for 3G pale in comparison to the crippling impact of any forced migration of some or all MDS commercial and ITFS educational licensees to other bands would have on the deployment of fixed wireless broadband networks," Andrew Kreig president of the WCA writes in his Feb 22 submission. US holds key to future of 3G When it comes to 3G, the United States has long been considered a wild card by many in the Canadian wireless industry. A decision that doesn’t support harmonization within North America would be a major set-back for both the mobile and fixed wireless industry in this country and in Mexico. The NTIA is scheduled to release its final report by the end of this month on its recommendations as to how to proceed with respect to designating 3G spectrum, while at the same time guaranteeing bandwidth for the military. The FCC is expected to render its decision by July 31.

Canadians urge regulator south of the border to pick 1700 MHz band for 3G

News | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

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