Brian S. Auker
Triangle Security and Communications
The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) has filed comments in response to Petitions for Rulemaking seeking changes to rules governing the 3550-3700 MHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) filed by CTIA and T-Mobile USA, Inc. Both propose changes favorable to Priority Access License (PAL) licensees, providing them with longer license terms and larger auction areas. EWA does not object to the Petitions regarding those matters. However, it opposes the T-Mobile recommendation that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auction the entire band for use by PAL licensees. This recommendation includes the 3650-3700 MHz band, which is intensively used by government, business, industrial and critical infrastructure users, many of which are members of EWA.
The Alliance responded that it “understands that, from the perspective of a carrier, it always will be preferable to have access to the largest possible licensed allocation. The Commission, on the other hand, is responsible for balancing the interests of multiple parties, both incumbents and prospective new entrants.” In an earlier decision, the FCC determined the public interest would be best serviced by allowing the band to be shared with unlicensed General Authorized Access users but not PAL operations. Nothing in the current Petition from T-Mobile warrants disturbing this finding. A substantial number of comments were filed opposing the T-Mobile proposal to auction the 3.65 GHz band.
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.