Info and News

FCC Approves Rules for “Millimeter Wave” Technologies

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted rules that will open up new portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, thereby facilitating the deployment of advanced broadband services.

In action taken late last year, the Commission has adopted service rules for the commercial use of spectrum in the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, and 92-95 GHz bands for the deployment of broadband “millimeter wave” technologies.  Such technologies take advantage of the unique “pencil-beam” characteristics of the signals transmitted in these frequency bands, allowing systems to operate in close proximity to one another without causing interference. 

Because of these unique spectrum characteristics, the Commission has adopted a non-exclusive licensing approach that will eliminate the need for traditional frequency coordination between users.  Instead, each signal path will be registered in a database, and entitled to interference protection based on the date of registration. 

The newly available frequencies are ideal for high-speed, point-to-point wireless local area networks, and broadband Internet access.  In one test demonstrating the power of technologies operating on these frequencies, one Hawaii-based company was reportedly able to repeatedly download full-length movies in just 10 seconds.

The FCC believes that the spectrum could also be used for passive imaging of airport runways, and imaging systems that could be used to display hidden contraband, weapons and non-metal objects.

Commission Also Adopts Rules for 3G Technologies

In a separate action, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also issued rules that will enable wireless providers to begin offering so-called third generation (or “3G”) services.

In a Report and Order issued late last year, the Commission implemented service rules for the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz spectrum bands that will allow a variety of new and advanced wireless services, including voice, data and broadband, using high-speed fixed and mobile networks.  The service rules include provisions for application procedures, licensing, technical operations, and competitive bidding.

In light of its last experience with competitive spectrum auctions, the Commission has opted this time for an approach that it says will allow the marketplace to determine what services are ultimately offered.  For example, licensees will be required to show that they have provided substantial service by the end of the license term (15 years), but will not face interim construction requirements.  Further, licensees will be able to aggregate spectrum in the available bands, and to partition and disaggregate their licenses.

Australia Releases Brief on BPL

In an effort to address concerns about the potential interference with radiocommunications services from broadband powerline (BPL) communications services, the Radiofrequency Planning Group of the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has released a brief on possible issues related to BPL deployment in that country. 

The brief provides an extensive overview of the science of BPL technology, as well as a summary of regulatory responses to BPL in the U.S., the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan.  It also assesses BPL deployment issues unique to Australia, and the management of risk for potential interference. 

Of particular note is the brief’s conclusion that “differences between the Australian powerline environment and overseas countries developing standards for broadband powerline communications systems might lead to ‘safe’ limits in those countries being ‘unsafe’ in the Australian context,” thereby requiring “further investigation.”

Warning:  Cell Phones in Toilets May Be Hazardous to your Health

That’s the lesson learned by a Bronx, NY man who was trapped for several hours in the bathroom of a New York Metro North commuter rail train late last year after he dropped his cell phone in the toilet and then became stuck attempting to retrieve it.

Firefighters reportedly had to use three separate sets of tools, including the jaws of life, to cut through the toilet to release Edwin Gallart, a passenger headed home on a train from New York’s Grand Central Station.  Gallart was apparently stuck from his hand to his elbow after trying to fish his dropped cell phone out of the toilet.

The incident inconvenienced thousands of New York area commuters, and cost the railroad thousands of dollars and several days to replace the toilet that was destroyed while extracting Gallart.  According to Al Cecere, the Harlem Line facilities director, the phone was not found.  But, he said, “You wouldn’t want to put that on your face afterwards anyway.”

From the “You Couldn’t Make This Up” Department

Mel Gibson’s new film, The Passion of Christ, has evoked significant controversy during the past year, but certainly no one could have predicted that working on the movie would have increased their chances of being struck by lightning.  According to Newsweek Magazine, two people on the set of the movie, including the actor playing the role of Jesus, were reportedly struck by lightning during the five months of shooting.  Actor Jim Caveizel, who played Jesus in the movie, was struck once by lightning, while the film’s assistant director, Jan Michelini, was struck twice.  Producer Steve McEveety says that he actually saw lighting coming out of Caveizel’s ears when he was struck.  .

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