FCC Enhanced Competition FNPRM Probes Private Networks

The biggest change in the item on the new enhanced competition incentive program, approved by commissioners 4-0 Thursday, was a series of questions on private networks in a Further NPRM that go beyond language in the draft, based on a side-by-side comparison. The FCC posted the ECIP order Monday. The questions were added at the urging of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks (see 2207140055). “Many emerging private wireless use cases have the potential to unlock efficiencies in areas that are not only less populated but also associated with more moderate levels of enterprise demand,” the final FNPRM says: “For example, small farms can still benefit from smart agriculture, just as small businesses in any number of rural industries can leverage wireless technologies to enhance their operations -- and increasingly may need to do so to stay competitive as larger firms do the same. Similarly, smart infrastructure, which can be deployed outside of population centers, may not always be operated by a single customer (e.g., a large utility) that can generate a large amount of concentrated demand.” The FCC asks “to what extent can secondary market transactions fulfill demand for these applications, and to what extent will these applications rely on buildout by the original licensee?” Given “the centrality of these and similar use cases to the public interest benefits of 5G and other advanced wireless technologies, how can we ensure that our construction requirements, both population-based and alternative, encourage spectrum deployment in all areas with private wireless demand?” it asks: “Should we modify our population-based requirements to ensure that spectrum is available and put to use in these locations? If so, how?” Only Starks and Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel filed written statements.