By this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), we propose to amend Part 15 of our
rules governing the operation of Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices in the 5
GHz band.1 U-NII devices are unlicensed intentional radiators that operate in the frequency bands 5.15-
5.35 GHz and 5.47-5.825 GHz, and which use wideband digital modulation techniques to provide a wide
array of high data rate mobile and fixed communications for individuals, businesses, and institutions.
Since the Commission first made available spectrum in the 5 GHz band for U-NII in 1997, we have
gained much experience with these devices. We believe that the time is now right for us to revisit our
rules, and, in this NPRM, we propose to modify certain technical requirements for U-NII devices to
ensure that these devices do not cause harmful interference and thus can continue to operate in the 5 GHz
band and make broadband technologies available for consumers and businesses.
We also seek comment on making available an additional 195 megahertz of spectrum in
the 5.35-5.47 GHz and 5.85-5.925 GHz bands for U-NII use. This could increase the spectrum available
to unlicensed devices in the 5 GHz band by approximately 35 percent and would represent a significant
increase in the spectrum available for unlicensed devices across the overall radio spectrum. The initiation
of this proceeding satisfies the requirements of Section 6406 (a) of the "Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act of 2012” which requires the Commission to begin a proceeding to modify part 15 of title 47,
Code of Federal Regulations, to allow unlicensed U-NII devices to operate in the 5350-5470 MHz band.
We believe that an increase in capacity gained from 195 megahertz of additional spectrum, combined
with the ease of deployment and operational flexibility provided by our U-NII rules, would continue to
foster the development of new and innovative unlicensed devices, and increase wireless broadband access
and investment.
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Document type and status: FCC proceeding (Current)
Document date or date of hyperlink query: February 22, 2013
Fcc Docket(s): ET 13-49 |
FCC 5 GHz U-NII Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 13-22)
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