n4voxgill
Silent Key
we are in the process of rebanding a portion of the 800 MHz band because the FCC licensed incompatible systems next to each other. Now they are at it again. They are going to auction 4 MHz of 800 for airplane phone calls, next to the rebanded frequencies for public safety. Here is part of the announcement
Air-Ground Cellular Rules Change
Operations are Adjacent to Land Mobile Operations on 851 MHz and 896 MHz
In a decision released in February, the FCC had changed the service rules for Part 22 Air-Ground Telecommunications Services. This allocation covers 4 MHz (2+2) of spectrum in the 800 MHz band (849-851 MHz paired with 894-896 MHz) and was intended to provide wireless telephone service while on-board aircraft. The initial allocation’s limited bandwidth (6 kHz) restricted the types of services offered to traditional voice and narrowband data. Existing band plan has ground stations (<100 watts ERP) transmitting in 849-851 MHz band at less than 100 sites around US and airborne mobile stations (<30 watts) transmitting in the 894-896 MHz band. Currently, only one air-ground licensee operates in the band – Verizon Airfone.
The FCC has decided that it will auction the 800 MHz air-ground band and give the auction winners the flexibility to offer voice and/or data service, including wideband data service, on-board aircraft. The bidders will be offered three different band plans and the one receiving the highest bids will be the one authorized.
APCO and others have asked them to reconsider, but little likely hood.
Air-Ground Cellular Rules Change
Operations are Adjacent to Land Mobile Operations on 851 MHz and 896 MHz
In a decision released in February, the FCC had changed the service rules for Part 22 Air-Ground Telecommunications Services. This allocation covers 4 MHz (2+2) of spectrum in the 800 MHz band (849-851 MHz paired with 894-896 MHz) and was intended to provide wireless telephone service while on-board aircraft. The initial allocation’s limited bandwidth (6 kHz) restricted the types of services offered to traditional voice and narrowband data. Existing band plan has ground stations (<100 watts ERP) transmitting in 849-851 MHz band at less than 100 sites around US and airborne mobile stations (<30 watts) transmitting in the 894-896 MHz band. Currently, only one air-ground licensee operates in the band – Verizon Airfone.
The FCC has decided that it will auction the 800 MHz air-ground band and give the auction winners the flexibility to offer voice and/or data service, including wideband data service, on-board aircraft. The bidders will be offered three different band plans and the one receiving the highest bids will be the one authorized.
APCO and others have asked them to reconsider, but little likely hood.
