FCC Seeks Comment on Spectrum Use

The National Broadband Plan recommends that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should make 500 megahertz of spectrum available for broadband use within the next 10 years, including 300 megahertz between 225 MHz and 3.7 GHz for mobile use in the next five years. The Office of Engineering and Technology has engaged in discussions with the Office of Spectrum Management, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to begin examining various frequency bands that may be suitable for mobile broadband use.

NTIA has preliminarily identified the 1675-1710 MHz band for such use and is examining the impact on its incumbent federal users. By this Public Notice, we seek information to help us better comprehend the current use of the 1675-1710 MHz band by non-federal entities and better understand its potential utility for broadband. The 1675-1710 MHz band is allocated on a co-primary basis for federal and non-federal use for the Meteorological Aids Service and the Meteorological Satellite Service (Space-to-earth). Specifically, this band is used for downlinks from certain weather satellites and radiosondes (weather balloons) that are administered by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA provides these services for weather forecasting, tracking of hurricanes and other storms, prediction of flooding and drought conditions, and warning against other hazards to life and property. The FCC seeks comment on the extent to which and manner in which non-federal users directly access federally authorized Meteorological Satellite Service space station downlink transmissions. The FCC also seeks comment on the extent to which non-federal users directly access transmissions from radiosondes. Also, it may be feasible for radiosondes to operate using substantially less bandwidth than they currently do, freeing spectrum for other uses, or for them to use an alternative technology or relocate to other spectrum. Comments are due June 28, 2010.