Might the FCC be preparing to reserve UHF spectrum for unlicensed use?

A recent blog post by FCC Commission Chair Tom Wheeler has indicated that a draft rule & order has been circulated, laying out plans for an incentive auction in the 600 MHz band, currently being used by broadcasters. The proposals are thought to include measures to secure capacity for unlicensed (licence-exempt) use - including Channel 37 (currently kept clear for radio astronomy and medical applications). There is potential to make guard bands and duplex gaps available, in the event of broadcasters releasing the spectrum through the much discussed incentive auctions. Any measures to reserve licence exempt access would be helpful to the emerging white spaces technology market and helpful for increasing Wi-Fi coverage capability (through the recently published 802.11af variant).

It still remains to be seen exactly what will be offered in any auction, and which broadcasters would seek to avail themselves of any disposal options.

[Source: Article]

European Parliament votes for ending roaming charges & net neutrality

European consumers are set to benefit from lower costs and greater choice of online services in the future thanks to a recent vote on the first reading of new draft legislation in the European Parliament. This helps forward the European Commission's much discussed Connected Continent package and will allow the new session of the Parliament (following elections in May) to take the proposals further.

The draft legislation has a number of very significant proposals:

  • Much hated by travellers, mobile roaming charges are set to be abolished by the end of 2015 if the legislation is approved by the Council
  • Net neutrality is to enjoy greater protection, with more clearly defined constraints on when Traffic Management measures can be taken - throttling the access speed for particular users/applications. This should assist consumers who complain that applications such as Skype and netflix are impeded by some operators
  • More licence-exempt spectrum, through enabling dynamic spectrum access

MEPs are particularly aware of mobile roaming charges as they would tend to incur them nearly all the time - unless they happen to be from either Belgium or France, where the parliament buildings are. They are also aware of the growing popularity of over the top services.

 

Source Reuters, Europa.Eu



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