- The commission is moving ahead to introduce D2D in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands
- It’s just one area the FCC is leading in the D2D space, according to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
- Comments are sought on how best to move forward
The direct-to-device (D2D) space is getting another boost from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).
The FCC on Thursday voted to adopt a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to examine whether devices in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands should be able to communicate with satellites for D2D services. Devices operating in these unlicensed bands include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmitters.
An earlier draft NPRM called for the 900 MHz band to be included, but FCC staff said that band was removed in part because it proved to be “significantly more complex” than the other two bands.
FCC’s unchartered frontiers
Before the 3-0 vote, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr talked about the many ways the FCC already has taken steps to create a regulatory framework that will allow D2D to develop to its full extent, such as freeing up more D2D spectrum and providing certainty around buildout requirements.
“To foster the long-term evolution of D2D communications, today's item looks ahead to unchartered frontiers,” he said. “For the first time, we are exploring whether D2D services are technically possible in more than 200 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum bands. These frequencies could yield more capacity to complement D2D services and encourage experimentation.”
Commissioner Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat on the three-member commission, said she was pleased to see the FCC consider ways to improve spectrum utilization.
However, she’s also concerned about the effect the proposed D2D use could have on existing unlicensed devices already using these congested bands.
“That is why, as we explore permitting innovative uses of spectrum like the one described in this NPRM, it is critical that we ask thorough questions and ground our proposals in technological studies that help us to strike the right balance between allowing new uses without undoing previous technological advances,” she said.
The NPRM kicks off a public comment period where the FCC will be collecting input on a variety of proposals, including whether to allow equipment authorized under the FCC’s part 15 rules to be used within FCC-authorized spacecraft – both onboard and between spacecraft.
WISPA’s concerns
Prior to Thursday’s vote, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) registered objections to part of the proposals in the draft NPRM, saying some of the statements were inaccurate and didn’t represent the actual usage of these bands by WISPA members.
It wasn’t immediately clear to what extent the final NPRM addressed those concerns. Fierce reached out to WISPA and will update this story if we hear back.
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