Telecom Alert:Groups Urge FCC to Decertify 6 GHz Devices; 4.9 GHz Framework Proposal; Tribal Broadband Grants; ECF Funding [Vol. XIX, Issue 35]

Groups Urge FCC to Decertify 6 GHz Devices

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (“EWA”) filed an ex parte letter with the FCC last week urging the Commission to revisit its decisions on the interference potential of 6 GHz unlicensed low power indoor devices and to consider decertifying such devices.  EWA argues that the information the FCC relied on in adopting its 6 GHz rules was outdated and failed to consider factors relevant in real-world testing.  It also asks the Commission to require 6 GHz incumbents and unlicensed proponents to conduct collaborative real-world testing on interference to fixed microwave link incumbents.  For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239).

4.9 GHz Band Framework Proposed

Last week, six public safety and other critical services groups proposed a framework for the 4.9 GHz band aimed at increasing overall use of the band while preserving public safety primacy.  The groups suggest assigning a single entity to manage spectrum assignment and urge the Commission to accommodate multiple use cases such as fixed, mobile, and robotics.  They also suggest developing a database to coordinate spectrum and promote access on a first-come, first-served, and non-discriminatory basis.  For more information, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178) or Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239).

Over $118 Million in Tribal Broadband Grants

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) announced over $118 million in broadband grants to seven entities through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (the “Program”).  The grants, which are part of a total of $500 million going to Tribal applicants this month, will fund high-speed internet infrastructure deployment, use, and adoptions projects to improve connectivity across Tribal lands.  NTIA has made 60 awards totaling more than $457 million in funding through the Program to date.  For more information, please contact Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 202.434.4344) 

$42 Million in ECF Funding

Last week, the FCC announced that it is committing nearly $42 million in two new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Fund (“ECF” or the “Program”).  This commitment supports applications from all three application windows and will cover approximately 100,000 students across the country, including Arizona, Delaware, Idaho, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.  To date, the Commission has approved over $5.7 billion in commitments.  For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186).