On May 07, 2018 the FCC published a new proposed rule for the 4.9 GHz (4940-4990 MHz) band to stimulate and expand its use among all entities. These 50 MHz of spectrum were previously designated by the Commission for public safety, nevertheless, only 3.5% of all potential licensees were under use due to the difficulty of acquiring the appropriate equipment, and also because there were many interferences in the band.
Considering all the inconveniences detected to use this band, the Commission analyzed all the comments received during June 2012 in the Fifth FNPRM of the NPSTC Plan to propose new alternatives to open up the use of this band for others like commercial wireless. However, public safety will remain a priority for the 4.9GHz.
Among the main proposals of the Commission, we can find:
-Aggregate channels 1-5 to form a 5 MHz bandwidth channel for aeronautical mobile and robotic use.
-Expand the existing channel aggregation bandwidth limit to 40 MHz.
-Reallocate the lower 10 MHz segment of the 4940-4990 MHz band from the “mobile except aeronautical mobile” service to the “mobile” service.
-Modify the power output limits on the channel bandwidth for low and high power transmitters.
-Require certified frequency coordination for licensing in the 4.9 GHz.
-Adopt technical standards for the band in order to promote national interoperability
In addition, the authority proposes and receives new comments regarding the database of existing licenses, they also propose a regional planning for sharing this spectrum, to report the requirements for the band, and finally to modify the requirements of eligibility for licenses.
Those interested in submitting comments can do so before the deadline date of July 6, 2018, by visiting http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/