FCC Votes To Free Up Wireless Backhaul Spectrum

The Federal Communications Commission has voted unanimously to free up more spectrum (up to 650 Mhz) for mobile wireless backhaul and make it easier and more cost effective for wireless companies to use point-to-point microwave links to deliver their service, particularly in rural areas.

The new spectrum is available in areas covering almost two thirds of the U.S. landmass. The action is expected to help speed the rollout of fourth-generation (4G) broadband networks and accelerate the role of expanded wireless broadband communications.

Service providers’ use of microwave links as a cost-effective alternative to traditional copper circuits and fiber optic links has increased by

approximately 50 percent in recent years, the FCC says.

Among the changes was allowing for use of wider channels and smaller antennas, and allowing for sharing of spectrum for specialized services including cable TV relay and broadcast auxiliary services, with requisite protections for that sharing, said the FCC's wireless bureau.

The new rules permit fixed microwave operation in several spectrum bands previously reserved for specialized microwave services. The Commission also updates its rules to permit microwave licensees to use adaptive modulation, which will allow them to take advantage of the latest technology to maintain the reliability of critical links.

FCC Votes To Free Up Wireless Backhaul Spectrum