Divisions Remain on Broadband Access Coalition Proposal for 3.7 GHz Band

Google parent Alphabet Access said the FCC should approve the Broadband Access Coalition’s (BAC) proposal for the 3.7 GHz band (see 1708100037). But satellite commenters continue to raise concerns. “A range of commenters demonstrate that these changes would improve broadband service across the country, especially in underserved areas and locations where purchasers lack a competitive provider,” Alphabet said in replies in RM-11791. “Because the 3700-4200 MHz band represents 500 megahertz of prime but underutilized mid-band spectrum, the Commission should take action to improve utilization.” Alphabet's comments are important because Google also supports a rival plan for the band by an Intel-led group (see 1708080050), a BAC proponent told us. The BAC plan isn't the answer and would interrupt satellite operations across the band, the Satellite Industry Association said. “Neither the BAC nor any other party has proposed a framework that would adequately protect existing and future satellite operations,” SIA said. “The BAC Petition’s approach would undercut, not advance, its stated goal of bridging the digital divide.” SIA member Intelsat also opposed the BAC proposal. Technology provider NetMoby endorsed the BAC proposal. The 3.7 GHz band is the largest “underutilized swatch of spectrum” below 6 GHz managed by the FCC, NetMoby said. The coalition's three lead members are Mimosa Networks, the Wireless ISP Association and New America’s Open Technology Institute. “Shared access to this high-quality spectrum can narrow the high-capacity broadband gap in rural and other low-density areas, while increasing competition in areas where consumers have only one choice for high-speed service,” Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Project at New America told us Wednesday. “As a fiber substitute, fixed wireless can fill the void between fiber, where it’s too expensive to trench, and mobile, which cannot yet provide enough capacity to be an adequate substitute for fixed broadband at home or work.” The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition is a member of BAC and supports the proposal, Executive Director John Windhausen said: “Rural areas are struggling to find sufficient broadband capacity, and this is especially true of community anchor institutions, who need much higher capacity than residential consumers. 5G technologies, while exciting, are largely an urban play and rural areas are likely to fall further behind unless there is more focus on rural broadband solutions.”