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Thursday, August 29, 2024

FCC requirements to protect the nation’s networks and supply chains from certain equipment


August 28, 2024 - FCC publishes a revision to Knowledge Database (KDB) document titled “Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain through the Equipment Authorization Program.” The document provides staff-level authorization guidance on how FCC 22-84 affects the equipment authorization process.

Changes include adding new guidance item 2a, “How should TCBs address applications for authorization of equipment that includes cybersecurity and anti-virus software produced or provided by Kaspersky Lab, Inc. or any of its successors and assignees?” as well as removing obsolete data from the introduction, and adding clarifying language to item 1.a.ii.

Ref:

KDB 986446 D01 Covered Equipment Guidance v03

FCC Amends Equipment Authorization Program

Monday, August 26, 2024

FCC - Validation of test sites for radiated emission testing

Posted Aug. 22, 2024, a Petition for Rule-Making requesting to incorporate the newly adopted ANSI/USEMCSC C63.25.2-2024 standard, rules for the validation of test sites used for radiated emission testing between 30 MHz and 1 GHz., into FCC Title 47 Part 2 and Part 15.

The C63.25 standard series will consolidate site validation methods into a standard series for reference from within various test method standards (i.e. C63.4, C63.10 etc.). The series addresses the appropriate and required site validation for sites used when performing tests related to the applicable frequency range of measurement.

C63.25.1 - Validation Methods for Radiated Emission Test Sites, 1 GHz to 18 GHz

C63.25.2 - Validation Methods for Radiated Emission Test Sites, 30 MHz to 1 GHz

C63.25.3 - Validation Methods for Radiated Emission Test Sites, 18-40 GHz

The content of C63.25.2 consists of the traditional normalized site attenuation methods used for years and the addition of two new methods, a site comparison method (SCM) and delta NSA (DNSA) method. For more information and details on the new methods see reference below or obtain a copy of C63.25.2.

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Ref:

https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/filing/108210752429140


Monday, August 19, 2024

Citizens Broadband Radio Service Rules FCC Seeks Comment on Updates

On August 16, 2024, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rule-making and Declaratory Ruling, allowing for a 30-day comment period following publication in the federal register.

This NPRM reflects the Commission's ongoing dedication to developing spectrum sharing models that create opportunities for expanded use of the airwaves, aligning with the recent comprehensive government approach to spectrum policy. 

The FCC is working in conjunction with federal partners to explore the next generation of spectrum sharing models and aims to uphold and improve the Citizens Broadband Radio Service, the only band where a sharing model allows licensed non-federal users and federal operators to coexist within the same geographic areas.

The topics covered in the notice include Federal Protection and Coordination, CBSD Information, Out of Band Emissions Limits, Base Station (CBSD) and End User Device (UE) Power, SAS Connectivity and/or Outages, Time Division Duplex (TDD) Synchronization (in-band and adjacent band), FSS Protection, Grandfathered Wireless Broadband Licensees, Certified Professional Installation, Private Networks and Low Power Indoor Facilities, and GAA User Coexistence.

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Ref:

NPRM GN DocketNo. 17-258

Statement of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks

Statement of Commissioner Anna Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, August 12, 2024

Request to reconfigure the 902-928 MHz band

August 6, 2024 -  FCC releases public notice related to a petition for rule making from NextNav to reconfigure the 902-928 MHz band allocations.

The public notice is an invitation for comment on NextNav’s petition for changes to spectrum allocation within the LMS bands (Location and Monitoring Service). The LMS bands exist between 902 to 928 MHz. For more specific details see §90.353

The 902 to 928 MHz band is relatively crowded, used by Government Radio location, fixed and mobile radio-location, LMS, Amateur radio 33-cm and a significant number of unlicensed Part 15 devices.



 Being that Part 15 devices are unlicensed, they don’t generally receive interference protection from incumbents, and must operate without interference to incumbents of the spectrum (i.e. licensed spectrum holders). However, under §90.353(d) an LMS license will be conditioned upon the licensee’s ability to demonstrate their systems do not cause unacceptable levels of interference to Part 15 devices, and properly certified unlicensed devices are insulated from claims of interference to M-LMS systems.

Band plan: a) current, b) current showing NextNav holdings (NN) and c) proposed.


Current state:

“Amateur radio operations are allocated on a secondary basis to LMS. Part 15 unlicensed devices also operate in the band, are not typically afforded interference protection, and may not cause harmful interference to LMS licensees, amateur operations, or other licensed systems. However, Commission rules intended to ensure coexistence between services require M-LMS licensees to demonstrate through field tests that their systems do not cause unacceptable levels of interference to part 15 devices.”

“Also, users of part 15 devices conforming to specified technical conditions under a safe harbor rule are insulated from claims in the band that they cause harmful interference to M-LMS systems.”

 

Proposed changes:

“NextNav indicates that it will work with all the incumbents in the band, including federal (radio-location, fixed, and mobile), ISM, non-M-LMS, amateur, and unlicensed part 15 device users, and suggests that the Commission could place conditions on a newly issued NextNav license to ensure protection” (proposes a rule generally requiring interference protection to primary incumbents) (i.e. not part 15 devices)

“The Petition recognizes that there currently are unlicensed part 15 devices operating in the Lower 900 MHz Band, but it is unclear regarding the extent to which the proposed reconfiguration would impact potentially millions of such devices. With respect to part 15 devices, NextNav states that it is completing technical analyses and “will work with unlicensed users to understand their spectrum requirements.” NextNav does, however, seek the removal of the current requirement that it not cause unacceptable levels of interference to part 15 devices

 

Questions in the public notice:

“What services are being provided by part 15 devices and amateur operations in this band? Can they be accommodated in other spectrum bands? What are the costs for relocation and how long would it take? We also seek comment on the status of any outreach with part 15 device users and amateur licensees.”

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Ref:

Petition for Rule Making

https://nextnav.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Petition-for-Rulemaking-of-NextNav-Inc.pdf

FCC Public Notice – comments due Sept. 5, 2024

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-776A1.pdf

Historical

WT Docket No.06-49; FCC 14-79

FCC Decides Not to Adopt New Rules Affecting 902-928 MHz Band 


Additional information on 902-928 MHz;

Why Unlicensed Spectrum Dominates the Smart Grid

Public Safety Related Spectrum Issues in the 902-928 MHz Band

Location Service Deployment May Constrain 902-928 MHz Amateur Use


 

 

Friday, May 24, 2024

FCC takes steps on securing the integrity of Wireless Device certifications

Update on FCC NPRM: The Commission's recent positive vote on the NPRM "Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program" is a significant development. The NPRM was officially adopted on May 23, 2024.

Implications arise for manufacturers utilizing data from labs or certifications from Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCB) that may be impacted by this rule change. When the ban takes full effect, data and certifications from affected entities may become invalid. To prevent disruptions in product shipments, it is crucial to ensure that the labs and TCBs being utilized will not be impacted by this regulatory change when it is enforced.

Stay informed and proactive to navigate these upcoming changes effectively. For more details, refer to the FCC document here: https://lnkd.in/gphyY4dg.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

FCC Vote on "Bad Labs" ban proposal


FCC - From the Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr related to the proposal "Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program" set to be voted on at the FCC's May 2024 Open Meeting.

Under the proposal "the FCC would ensure that the hundreds of labs and certification bodies that review and approve electronic devices for use in the U.S. are trustworthy actors that do not present national security risks, including the risk that they would do the bidding of a foreign adversary."

REF:

From Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr 

Fact Sheet (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – ET Docket No. 24-136)

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

ISED Canada extends frequencies for use by LE-LAN

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada, RSS-247 Issue 3 introduces requirements for devices operating from 5850 to 5895 MHz (U-NII-4) and channels that span across 5850MHz, also specifying power limits and unwanted emission limits associated with license-exempt local area network (LE-LAN) devices within that band.

RE:

https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/learn-more/key-documents/published-documents