EWA Seeks Industry Meeting with FCC

(Herndon, VA)–The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA), a leading advocate for business enterprises that rely on wireless communications systems, today requested that the leadership of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau convene an industry-wide meeting to address the continued availability of 800 MHz spectrum for qualified Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMR) users. EWA suggested that the meeting include Frequency Advisory Committees (FACs) certified by the FCC to provide Part 90 800 MHz frequency coordination services, equipment vendors whose customers seek access to the 800 MHz band to capitalize on emerging technologies, and other parties that the FCC believes would contribute to the discussion.

Recent filing trends for 800 MHz Expansion/Guard Band (EB/GB) channels and the pending opportunity to utilize 800 MHz Mid-Band interstitial channels necessitate an examination on how best to ensure that access to these important spectrum assets are available to applicants with bona fide intentions to use them for internal purposes or to offer communication services. The Commission has stated on several occasions that it would watch EB/GB applications closely and “investigate any unusual concentration of applications and any undisclosed true party in interest behind any application” cautioning that “[m]isrepresentation or lack of candor in any application may be referred for enforcement action.” In its request, EWA stated that it appreciates that the Commission shares its concern about speculative applications, and noted that an industry-wide meeting would be a productive way to determine approaches to ensure that the spectrum is used for its intended purposes. As a starting point for discussion, EWA questioned whether all FACs should:

• Have the authority to question applicants about their understanding of the FCC rules and their ability to construct and operate their proposed systems, and to forward for FCC review, but not certify, applications from parties whose responses raise concerns about their bona fides; and 
• Play a more active role in construction verification, including onsite construction investigation, securing site owner construction affidavits, and confirming equipment acquisition.

“The spectrum allocation window closed many, many years ago for business/industrial private land mobile entities”, stated Mark Crosby, EWA’s President. “What we have left is the opportunity to invest in and deploy new efficient technologies, and thereby make more effective use of the limited spectrum that we do have. These opportunities will be lost if the industry does not actively identify and establish approaches to confront speculation in our existing land mobile bands.”