[Federal Register: January 21, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 13)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 2730-2733]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21ja03-23]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 15
[ET Docket No. 02-380; FCC 02-328]
Spectrum for Unlicensed Devices
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of inquiry.
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SUMMARY: This document requests comments from the public on the
possibility of permitting unlicensed devices to operate in additional
frequency bands. Specifically, the Commission seeks comments on the
feasibility of allowing unlicensed devices to operate in TV broadcast
spectrum at locations and times when spectrum is not being used, and on
the technical requirements that would be necessary to ensure that such
devices do not cause interference to authorized services operating
within the TV broadcast bands. The Commission also seeks comment on the
feasibility of permitting unlicensed devices to operate in other bands,
such as the 3650-3700 MHz band at power levels significantly higher
than the maximum permitted for unlicensed devices in other frequency
bands, with only the minimal technical requirements necessary to avoid
interference to licensed and incumbent services. The Commission
believes that these actions could have significant benefits to the
economy, businesses and consumers by allowing the development of new
and innovative types of unlicensed devices.
DATES: Written comments are due April 7, 2003, and reply comments are
due May 6, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street, SW., TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hugh L. Van Tuyl, Office of
Engineering and Technology, (202) 418-7506, TTY (202) 418-2989, e-mail:
hvantuyl@fcc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice
of Inquiry, ET Docket 02-380, FCC 02-328, adopted December 11, 2002,
and released December 20, 2002. The full text of this document is
available for inspection and copying during regular business hours in
the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this document also may be
purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, Qualex International,
445 12th Street, SW., Room, CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554. The full
text may also be downloaded at: http://www.fcc.gov. Alternative formats
are available to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian Millin
at (202) 418-7426 or TTY (202) 418-7365.
Pursuant to Sec. Sec. 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's rules,
47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments on or before
April 7, 2003, and reply comments on or before May 6, 2003. Comments
may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System
(ECFS) or by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of Documents in
Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121, May 1, 1998. Comments filed
through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file via the Internet to
http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html. Generally, only one copy of an
electronic submission must be filed. If multiple docket or rulemaking
numbers appear in the caption of this proceeding, however, commenters
must transmit one electronic copy of the comments to each docket or
rulemaking number referenced in the caption. In completing the
transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, U.S.
Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking
number. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-
mail. To get filing instructions for e-mail comments, commenters should
send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and should include the following words
in the body of the message, ``get form