Procedural Concerns Lead EWA to File Application for Review

February 23, 2017

On February 17, 2017, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) filed an Application for Review with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting that the FCC review its Order granting a blanket earth station license to Higher Ground LLC that permits it to operate on a non-interfering basis up to 50,000 mobile earth terminals (SatPaqs) in the 5925-6425 MHz band (6 GHz band). EWA stated that the action taken by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology (the Bureaus) in granting the Order conflicts with established FCC policy and urged the FCC to set aside the grant of the waiver, return Higher Ground’s application to pending status, and initiate a rulemaking proceeding where the many concerns about the proposed system’s potential for interference can be evaluated in detail and weighed against whether it is in the public interest.

Higher Ground plans to offer broadband communications services that would enable consumer-based text messaging, light email and Internet of Things (IoT) communications. In the Order, the Bureaus contend that a waiver is appropriate because Higher Ground is requesting a unique use of the band rather than establishing a new category of use.

“EWA has the highest regard for the Bureaus and is not taking issue with the technical aspects of the Order at this time,” said EWA President Mark Crosby. “A change in the use of this band should be the outcome of a discussion among all stakeholders through the well-established process of a rulemaking. The outcome should be a Commission decision that all parties can accept as an appropriate balancing of the rights of fixed service incumbents and the public benefit of introducing another broadband consumer service,” he continued.

About EWA

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance is the leading national trade association and advocate for business enterprises, private carrier operators, equipment manufacturers, and service providers that support the private wireless industry. A frequency advisory committee certified by the Federal Communications Commission, EWA provides its members and clients with consulting services, frequency coordination, license preparation, spectrum management and associated business intelligence services. EWA is the market leader in Business/Industrial Land Transportation frequency coordination services and assists a significant percentage of public safety customers with their spectrum requirements. Learn more at www.enterprisewireless.org.

It’s remarkable what we’ve been able to do with EWA’s support. It’s a collaborative effort that has allowed Midland to deliver unparalleled support to our customers. No one else has the depth of understanding of FCC rules, which has resulted in more application grants. Midland Communications has a profound appreciation for EWA’s advocacy efforts. It has allowed us to have a voice before the FCC.

Paul Moore
Midland Communications
We use EWA for all of our FCC license applications. The staff at EWA provide outstanding customer service and do all they can to see that applications are granted. EWA does a super job of staying on top of situations that affect our ability to file license applications and serve customers. EWA’s Regulatory Call keeps us informed about what is happening with the FCC and their online systems.

Brian S. Auker
Triangle Security and Communications
A Beep has been a happy customer of Spectrum Intel since its launch. It’s easy to use, the information is much more accessible, and the service includes extra features that other license activity reporting services don’t have. Spectrum Intel saves my team time each week.

Frank Anderson
A Beep, LLC
The advocacy and regulatory issues are very important to our business, and, without EWA, we would have no voice. Nobody is speaking up for players like us in Washington except EWA.

David Reeves
P&R Communications
It’s not just about finding frequencies. It’s about finding the RIGHT frequencies for that customer, and EWA excels every time at that. We would not be moving forward without EWA.

Craig Sikes
Mobile Communications America