FCC to approve 5G network despite military saying it will harm GPS

The Federal Communications Commission is ready to approve a brand new 5G mobile network despite claims from the Department of Defense that it will intrude with Global Positioning System (GPS) companies.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in the present day asked fellow commissioners to approve an “software to deploy a low-power terrestrial nationwide network within the L-Band that might primarily help 5G and Internet of Things companies.” The software is from Ligado, previously referred to as LightSquared, which for nearly a decade has sought permission to construct a wi-fi network utilizing frequencies close to these used for GPS. A earlier failure to acquire FCC approval helped push LightSquared into bankruptcy.

The FCC stated its draft order would “make sure that adjoining band operations, together with GPS, are shielded from dangerous interference.” Pai stated the FCC has “compiled an in depth file, which confirms that it is within the public curiosity to grant Ligado’s software whereas imposing stringent circumstances to forestall dangerous interference.” He continued:

Although I recognize the considerations which have been raised by sure Executive Branch businesses, it is the Commission’s responsibility to make an unbiased dedication based mostly on sound engineering. And based mostly on the painstaking technical evaluation completed by our skilled employees, I’m satisfied that the circumstances outlined on this draft order would allow Ligado to transfer ahead with out inflicting dangerous interference. For instance, the draft order would authorize downlink operations at an influence degree that represents a higher than 99 p.c discount from what Ligado proposed in its 2015 software.

The base-station energy discount is “from 32dBW to 9.8dBW,” and Ligado dedicated to a 23MHz “guard-band utilizing its personal licensed spectrum to additional separate its terrestrial base station transmissions from neighboring operation,” the FCC stated.

“As such, Ligado is now solely looking for terrestrial use of the 1526-1536MHz, 1627.5-1637.5MHz, and 1646.5-1656.5MHz bands. The Order is conditioned to replicate these technical necessities. It additionally requires Ligado to defend adjoining band incumbents by reporting its base station areas and technical working parameters to probably affected authorities and trade stakeholders prior to commencing operations, constantly monitoring the transmit energy of its base station websites, and complying with procedures and actions for responding to credible reviews of interference, together with speedy shutdown of operations the place warranted,” the FCC stated.

Ligado plans to use a mix of satellite and terrestrial communications for its network. Instead of competing straight in opposition to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile for smartphone prospects, Ligado plans to ship custom private networks for industrial companies, service for Internet of Things devices and unmanned systems, and connectivity for different business and government use cases. Ligado might additionally supply capacity to the key wi-fi carriers.

Secretary of Defense objected

Ligado already “reached co-existence agreements with the 5 main GPS gadget producers,” ensuing within the guard band and different commitments, Ligado stated in an FCC filing. To create the guard band, Ligado stated it gave up its “terrestrial rights to one-fourth of its licensed spectrum.”

In a November 2019 letter to Pai, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stated: “there are too many unknowns and the dangers are far too nice to federal operations to enable Ligado’s proposed system to proceed. All unbiased and scientifically legitimate testing and technical knowledge reveals the potential for widespread disruption and degradation of GPS companies from the proposed Ligado system. This might have a big unfavourable impression on military operations, each in peacetime and warfare.”

Pai’s proposal is predicted to be adopted by the total fee. Commissioners can submit their votes at any time as a result of the merchandise was placed on circulation as an alternative of being scheduled for one of many FCC’s month-to-month conferences.

Consumer-advocacy group Public Knowledge commended Pai’s motion in the present day, saying “the FCC has labored to each defend incumbent GPS customers whereas permitting for pro-competitive industrial licensing of spectrum.” Public Knowledge beforehand told the FCC that the Department of Defense has raised “repeated objections with out new engineering proof.” By intervening straight within the FCC continuing, the DOD additionally violated “the authorized requirement that NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) acts because the coordinator and consultant of the Executive Branch on issues relating to federal spectrum use,” Public Knowledge stated.

Ligado clearly welcomed Pai’s decision today and stated “the FCC’s devoted employees has repeatedly proven its dedication to science-based, engineering-driven choice making.” Ligado additionally stated its decrease mid-band spectrum will be vital for deploying 5G throughout broad distances and to indoor areas. While 5G might be deployed on any spectrum, the largest velocity good points are supplied on millimeter-wave frequencies, which do not journey so far as decrease frequencies and are simply blocked by partitions and different obstacles. Low- and mid-band spectrum would not have that drawback.

“As Ericsson and Nokia technical research on our proposed network deployment have proven, the superior propagation traits of our spectrum will enhance cell 5G protection—each out of doors and indoor—and in doing so, speed up the deployment of 5G networks,” Ligado stated. Nokia and Ericsson are partnering with Ligado on technical and industrial plans.

Ligado beforehand deliberate a 4G network, however the years-long delay resulted within the swap to 5G.