Advanced Wireless Services, 61752-61762 [05-21407]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 26, 2005 / Proposed Rules
implementing a Federal standard, and
does not alter the relationship or the
distribution of power and
responsibilities established in the Clean
Air Act. This proposed rule also is not
subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR
19885, April 23, 1997), because it is not
economically significant.
In reviewing SIP submissions, EPA’s
role is to approve state choices,
provided that they meet the criteria of
the Clean Air Act. In this context, in the
absence of a prior existing requirement
for the State to use voluntary consensus
standards (VCS), EPA has no authority
to disapprove a SIP submission for
failure to use VCS. It would thus be
inconsistent with applicable law for
EPA, when it reviews a SIP submission,
to use VCS in place of a SIP submission
that otherwise satisfies the provisions of
the Clean Air Act. Thus, the
requirements of section 12(d) of the
National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C.
272 note) do not apply. As required by
section 3 of Executive Order 12988 (61
FR 4729, February 7, 1996), in issuing
this proposed rule, EPA has taken the
necessary steps to eliminate drafting
errors and ambiguity, minimize
potential litigation, and provide a clear
legal standard for affected conduct. EPA
has complied with Executive Order
12630 (53 FR 8859, March 15, 1988) by
examining the takings implications of
the rule in accordance with the
‘‘Attorney General’s Supplemental
Guidelines for the Evaluation of Risk
and Avoidance of Unanticipated
Takings’ issued under the executive
order. This proposed rule to approve
source-specific RACT determinations
established and imposed by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
pursuant to its SIP-approved generic
RACT regulations does not impose an
information collection burden under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52
Environmental protection, Air
pollution control, Nitrogen dioxide,
Ozone, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Volatile organic
compounds.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
Dated: October 18, 2005.
Donald S. Welsh,
Regional Administrator, Region III.
[FR Doc. 05–21372 Filed 10–25–05; 8:45 am]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 2
[ET Docket No. 00–258; FCC 05–172]
Advanced Wireless Services
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document seek comment
on the specific relocation procedures
applicable to Broadband Radio Service
(BRS) operations in the 2150–2160/62
MHz band, which the Commission
recently decided will be relocated to the
newly restructured 2495–2690 MHz
band. We also seek comment on the
specific relocation procedures
applicable to Fixed Microwave Service
(FS) operations in the 2160–2175 MHz
band. We propose to generally follow
our relocation policies delineated in our
Emerging Technologies proceeding and
as modified by subsequent decisions.
DATES: Comments must be filed on or
before November 25, 2005, and reply
comments must be filed on or before
December 12, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by [ET Docket No. 00–258],
by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Federal Communications
Commission’s Web site: https://
www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• E-mail: [Optional: Include the Email address only if you plan to accept
comments from the general public].
Include the docket number(s) in the
subject line of the message.
• Mail: [Optional: Include the mailing
address for paper, disk or CD–ROM
submissions needed/requested by your
Bureau or Office. Do not include the
Office of the Secretary’s mailing address
here.]
• People with Disabilities: Contact
the FCC to request reasonable
accommodations (accessible format
documents, sign language interpreters,
CART, etc.) by e-mail: FCC504@fcc.gov
or phone: 202–418–0530 or TTY: 202–
418–0432.
For detailed instructions for submitting
comments and additional information
on the rulemaking process, see the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Priya Shrinivasan, Office of Engineering
and Technology, (202) 418–7005.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a
summary of the Commission’s NPRM of
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Proposed Rule Making, ET Docket No.
00–258, FCC 05–172, adopted
September 23, 2005, and released
September 29, 2005. The full text of this
document is available on the
Commission’s Internet site at https://
www.fcc.gov. It is also available for
inspection and copying during regular
business hours in the FCC Reference
Center (Room CY–A257), 445 12th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. The
full text of this document also may be
purchased from the Commission’s
duplication contractor, Best Copy and
Printing Inc., Portals II, 445 12th St.,
SW., Room CY–B402, Washington, DC
20554; telephone (202) 488–5300; fax
(202) 488–5563; e-mail
FCC@BCPIWEB.COM.
Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419
of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR
1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file
comments and reply comments on or
before the dates indicated on the first
page of this document. Comments may
be filed using: (1) The Commission’s
Electronic Comment Filing System
(ECFS), (2) the Federal Government’s
eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing
paper copies. See Electronic Filing of
Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings,
63 FR 24121 (1998).
• Electronic Filers: Comments may be
filed electronically using the Internet by
accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/
cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal eRulemaking
Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Filers should follow the instructions
provided on the Web site for submitting
comments.
• For ECFS filers, if multiple docket
or rulemaking numbers appear in the
caption of this proceeding, filers must
transmit one electronic copy of the
comments for each docket or
rulemaking number referenced in the
caption. In completing the transmittal
screen, filers should include their full
name, U.S. Postal Service mailing
address, and the applicable docket or
rulemaking number. Parties may also
submit an electronic comment by
Internet e-mail. To get filing
instructions, filers should send an email to ecfs@fcc.gov, and include the
following words in the body of the
message, ‘‘get form.’’ A sample form and
directions will be sent in response.
• Paper Filers: Parties who choose to
file by paper must file an original and
four copies of each filing. If more than
one docket or rulemaking number
appears in the caption of this
proceeding, filers must submit two
additional copies for each additional
docket or rulemaking number.
Filings can be sent by hand or
messenger delivery, by commercial
overnight courier, or by first-class or
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overnight U.S. Postal Service mail
(although we continue to experience
delays in receiving U.S. Postal Service
mail). All filings must be addressed to
the Commission’s Secretary, Office of
the Secretary, Federal Communications
Commission.
• The Commission’s contractor will
receive hand-delivered or messengerdelivered paper filings for the
Commission’s Secretary at 236
Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110,
Washington, DC 20002. The filing hours
at this location are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All
hand deliveries must be held together
with rubber bands or fasteners. Any
envelopes must be disposed of before
entering the building.
• Commercial overnight mail (other
than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail
and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300
East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights,
MD 20743.
• U.S. Postal Service first-class,
Express, and Priority mail should be
addressed to 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington DC 20554.
People with Disabilities: To request
materials in accessible formats for
people with disabilities (braille, large
print, electronic files, audio format),
send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call
the Consumer & Governmental Affairs
Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 202–
418–0432 (tty).
Summary of NPRM of Proposed
Rulemaking
1. In the Fifth NPRM of Proposed
Rulemaking (Fifth NPRM), the
Commission seeks to establish a new
record, specifically with respect to
relocation issues for the 2150–2160
MHz and 2160–2175 MHz bands as
proposed in the NPRM. The
Commission notes that it has previously
sought comment on the use of Emerging
Technologies policies in this proceeding
(ET Docket No. 00–258) in different
contexts and asks that parties file new
comments on the issues in this Fifth
NPRM, rather than incorporate by
reference previously filed comments in
this proceeding.
2. The Commission continues to
believe that its relocation policy, with
minor modifications to accommodate
the type of incumbent operations that
are the subject of relocation and to
maintain consistency within the entire
band at issue, is the best approach to
meet its goal of providing an
opportunity for early entry to the 2150–
2160 MHz and 2160–2175 MHz bands
for new Advanced Wireless Service
(AWS) licensees, while minimizing the
disruption to incumbent Broadband
Radio Service (BRS) and Fixed
Microwave Service (FS) operations
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during the transition. The NPRM
therefore proposes to generally apply
the Commission’s relocation policy, as
delineated in its Emerging Technologies
proceeding and subsequent decisions, to
the spectrum designated for AWS in this
proceeding.
A. Relocation of BRS in the 2150–2160/
62 MHz Band
3. This portion of the NPRM seeks
comment on the relocation procedures
new AWS entrants should follow when
relocating BRS incumbent licensees
from the 2150–2160/62 MHz band.
4. Background. In the AWS Second
R&O in ET Docket No. 00–258, 68 FR
3455, January 24, 2003, the Commission
reallocated and designated a 5
megahertz portion of the BRS band at
2150–2155 MHz for AWS use.
Subsequently, in the AWS Third NPRM,
also in ET Docket No. 00–258, 68 FR
12015, March 13, 2003, the Commission
further explored the relocation needs for
the BRS licensees in the 2150–2160/62
MHz band. On July 29, 2004, the
Commission released the BRS R&O and
FNPRM in WT Docket No. 03–66, 69 FR
72020 and 69 FR 72048, December 10,
2004, respectively, that initiated a
fundamental restructuring of the 2495–
2690 MHz band. This decision, which
was intended to provide existing and
new licensees with enhanced flexibility
to provide high-value services, also
included provisions by which existing
BRS licensees in the 2150–2160/62 MHz
band would be included in the newly
established band plan, allowing these
licensees to be integrated with similar
operations. Specifically, the
Commission adopted a band plan in
which existing BRS channel 1 (2150–
2156 MHz) would transition to the new
BRS channel 1 at 2496–2502 MHz and
existing BRS channel 2/2A (2156–2162
MHz) to the new BRS channel 2 at
2618–2624 MHz. The Commission notes
that new entrants for spectrum now
occupied by part of BRS channel 1 will
be licensed in an upcoming AWS
auction of the 2110–2155 MHz band.
With respect to the 2155–2160/62 MHz
band, which consists of BRS channels 2
and 2A and the upper one megahertz of
BRS channel 1, the Commission has not
yet established new service rules for this
band. In the accompanying Eighth R&O
in ET Docket No. 00–258, the
Commission reallocated and designated
the entire 2150–2160 MHz band for
AWS use.
5. BRS operations in the 2150–2160/
62 MHz band consist of two channels—
channel 1 (2150–2156 MHz) and
channel 2A (2156–2160 MHz).
Licensees may also use channel 2
(2156–2162 MHz) on a limited basis in
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50 cities. BRS operations in the band are
now regulated under part 27 of the
Commission’s rules. In 1992, when the
2160–2165 MHz band was reallocated to
emerging technologies, the Commission
implemented a policy by which
incumbent BRS licensees that were
using the 2160–2162 MHz band would
continue such use on a primary basis.
However, any BRS station that applied
for use of this band after January 16,
1992, would be granted a license only
on a secondary basis to emerging
technology use. In 1996, the
Commission auctioned licenses for BRS
channels on a Basic Trading Area (BTA)
basis but noted that BRS channel 2
licenses using the 2160–2162 MHz band
were secondary to emerging technology
licenses. BRS operators are providing
four categories of service offerings
today: (1) Downstream analog video; (2)
downstream digital video; (3)
downstream digital data; and (4)
downstream/upstream digital data.
Licensees and lessees have deployed or
sought to deploy these services via three
types of system configuration: highpower video stations, high-power fixed
two-way systems, and low-power,
cellularized two-way systems.
Traditionally, BRS licensees were
authorized to operate within a 35-mileradius protected service area (PSA) and
winners of the 1996 MDS auction were
authorized to serve Basic Trading Areas
(BTAs) consisting of aggregations of
counties. In the proceeding that
restructured the BRS band at 2495–2690
MHz, the Commission adopted a
geographic service area (GSA) licensing
scheme for existing BRS incumbents.
Therefore, BRS relocation procedures
must take into account the unique
circumstances faced by the various
incumbent operations and the new AWS
licensees.
1. Relocation Process
6. Transition Plan. The NPRM
proposes to require the AWS entrant to
relocate BRS operations on a link-bylink basis, based on interference
potential as discussed below. The
NPRM further proposes to allow the
AWS entrant to determine its own
schedule for relocating incumbent BRS
operations so long as it relocates
incumbent BRS licensees before
beginning operation in a particular
geographic area and subject to any other
build-out requirements that may be
imposed by the Commission on the
AWS entrant. The Commission
recognizes that this build-out period
may take time because of the large
service areas to be built out for new
AWS networks but expects that the
AWS licensees and the incumbent BRS
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licensees will work cooperatively to
ensure a smooth transition for
incumbent operations.
7. In some instances relocation of BRS
operations on a link-by-link basis may
be infeasible (e.g., where a transmitter
serves numerous receive sites, only
some of which may pose an interference
issue), and thus in order to meet the
comparable facility requirement for
relocating BRS operations, it may be
necessary for the AWS licensee to
relocate more BRS facilities than an
interference analysis conducted on a
link-by-link basis might indicate as
technically necessary. The Commission
also recognizes that the AWS licensee is
likely to deploy its service in some
locations in a manner that does not
correspond to the geography of the BRS
service areas. For example, a BRS
licensee’s operations may extend
beyond the AWS licensee’s service area
(e.g., discrete transmit/receive
combinations), and thus in order to
meet the comparable facility
requirement for relocating BRS
operations, the AWS licensee may need
to relocate BRS operations in the
adjacent service area even though an
AWS licensee does not have license
coverage in that area. The NPRM
therefore proposes to require that the
AWS licensee relocate all incumbent
BRS operations that would be affected
by the new AWS operations, in order to
provide BRS operators with comparable
facilities. The Commission seeks
comment on these transition plan
proposals.
8. Comparable Facilities. In the AWS
Third NPRM, the Commission proposed
that if relocation were deemed
necessary, BRS incumbents would be
entitled to comparable facilities. In the
Emerging Technologies proceeding, the
Commission allowed new entrants to
provide incumbents with comparable
facilities using any acceptable
technology. Under this policy,
incumbents must be provided with
replacement facilities that allow them to
maintain the same service in terms of:
(1) Throughput—the amount of
information transferred within the
system in a given amount of time; (2)
reliability—the degree to which
information is transferred accurately
and dependably within the system; and
(3) operating costs—the cost to operate
and maintain the system. Thus, the
comparable facilities requirement does
not guarantee incumbents superior
systems at the expense of new entrants.
The Commission continues to believe
that, to minimize disruption to existing
services and to minimize the economic
impact on licensees of those services, a
similar approach is warranted for BRS.
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We note that our relocation policies do
not dictate that systems be relocated to
spectrum-based facilities or even to the
same amount of spectrum as they
currently use, only that comparable
facilities be provided. Comparable
facilities can be provided by upgrading
equipment to digital technology and
making use of efficient modulation and
coding techniques that use less
spectrum to provide the same
communications capabilities. Given
advances in technology, e.g., changing
from analog to digital modulation and
the flexibility provided by our existing
relocation procedures to make
incumbents whole, we believe that these
differences should be taken into account
when providing comparable facilities.
The NPRM therefore proposes to require
that new AWS entrants provide
comparable facilities to incumbents that
are relocated, and seeks comment on
this proposal.
9. The Commission further notes that
under its relocation policies only
stations with primary status are entitled
to relocation. Because secondary
operations, by definition, cannot cause
harmful interference to primary
operations nor claim protection from
harmful interference from primary
operations at frequencies already
assigned or assigned at a later date, new
entrants are not required to relocate
secondary operations. As stated above,
BRS stations licensed after 1992 to use
the 2160–2162 MHz band are on a
secondary basis. Thus, in some cases, a
portion of BRS channel 2 has secondary
status, and this portion would not be
entitled to relocation under existing
Emerging Technologies policies.
Stations licensed prior to 1992 for BRS
channel 2 (2156–2162 MHz) operate on
a primary basis over the entire channel
and thus, would be entitled to
relocation. The NPRM proposes to apply
the current relocation policies regarding
stations with primary and secondary
status to the BRS and seeks comment on
this proposal.
10. The NPRM also seeks comment on
how to apply the comparable facilities
requirement to unique situations faced
by BRS licensees. For example, the
Commission recognizes that the
incumbent BRS licensee may change the
type of services it offers as it transitions
to the new BRS band plan (e.g., from 1way to 2-way service or from fixed to
mobile service), and seeks comment on
how the comparable facilities policy
would be satisfied in such a situation.
The NPRM also seeks comment on how
the relocation obligation of comparable
facilities should be applied to post-1992
licensees operating on a combination of
BRS channels 1 and 2/2A (e.g.,
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integrated for downstream 2-way
broadband operations), considering
these channels will likely transition to
new channels in the restructured band
at different times. For example, the
Commission seeks comment on what
the respective relocation obligations
should be for AWS licensees in the five
megahertz block of BRS channel 1
(2150–2155 MHz) who will be licensed
as part of the upcoming AWS auction of
the 2110–2155 MHz band and AWS
licensees in the remaining one
megahertz block (2155–2156 MHz) who
will be licensed at a later date. In
addition, we seek comment on whether
replacement of customer premises
equipment (CPE) in use at the time of
relocation (e.g., customer equipment
that is used and will continue to be used
in the provision of 2-way broadband
operations) should be part of the
comparable facilities requirement.
11. Because the Commission has
already identified relocation spectrum
in the 2495–2690 MHz band (2.5 GHz
band) for BRS licensees currently in the
2150–2160/62 MHz band (2.1 GHz
band), we also seek comment on a
proposal whereby the Commission
would reassign 2.1 GHz BRS licensees,
whose facilities have not been
constructed or are not in use per
§ 101.75 of the Commission’s rules, to
their corresponding frequency
assignments in the 2.5 GHz band as part
of the overall BRS transition.
Specifically, the NPRM proposes to
modify the licenses of these 2.1 GHz
BRS licensees to assign them 2.5 GHz
spectrum in the same geographic areas
covered by their licenses upon the
effective date of the Report and Order in
this proceeding. Under this proposal, no
subscribers would be harmed by
immediately reassigning these licensees
to the 2.5 GHz band, consistent with our
policy. Further, these BRS licensees
could become proponents in the
transition of the 2.5 GHz band and avoid
delay in initiating new service (they
would be limited in initiating or
expanding service in the 2.1 GHz band
under other proposals put forth in this
Fifth NPRM), and new AWS entrants in
the 2.1 GHz band could focus their
efforts on relocating the remaining BRS
operations and their subscribers,
facilitating their ability to clear the band
quickly and provide new service. The
NPRM proposes to undertake these
license modifications pursuant to our
authority under Section 316 of the
Communications Act. Specifically,
Section 316(a)(1), provides that ‘‘[a]ny
station license * * * may be modified
by the Commission * * * if in the
judgment of the Commission such
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action will promote the public interest,
convenience and necessity.’’ In
addition, under the Commission’s
proposal, these reassigned BRS
licensees would not be entitled to
‘‘comparable facilities’’ under the
relocation policy since no facilities have
been constructed or are in use.
Accordingly, the Commission seeks
comment on this proposal. We ask that
commenters consider the impact of this
proposal on the 2.5 GHz transition set
forth in the BRS R&O and FNPRM, as
well as the impact on the availability of
the 2.1 GHz band for new AWS entrants.
12. Leasing. Some BRS licensees of
channels 1 and 2 currently lease their
spectrum capacity to other commercial
operators, and the Commission has
determined that future leasing of BRS
and EBS spectrum will be allowed
under the Secondary Markets policy.
Because leasing is prevalent in the BRS
bands, the ‘‘comparable facilities’’
policy needs to address these
arrangements. We recognize that leasing
arrangements vary—some BRS licensees
may continue to lease their spectrum to
third parties when they relocate to the
2.5 GHz band, but others BRS licensees
may discontinue leasing arrangements
prior to relocation. In all cases, the BRS
licensee retains de jure control of the
license and is the party entitled to
negotiate for ‘‘comparable facilities’’ in
the relocation band. The NPRM
proposes to allow incumbent BRS
licensees to rely on the throughput,
reliability and operating costs of
facilities operated by a lessee in
negotiating ‘‘comparable facilities.’’ In
cases where the BRS licensees continue
to lease their spectrum to third parties
when they relocate to the 2.5 GHz band,
the NPRM proposes that the licensee
may include the lessee in negotiations
but that lessees would not have a
separate right of recovery—i.e., the new
entrant would not have to reimburse
both the licensee and lessee for
‘‘comparable facilities.’’ Further, in
cases where the BRS licensee
discontinues leasing arrangements prior
to relocation, the NPRM proposes that
the lessee is not entitled to recover lost
investments from the new entrant. We
believe that this approach is consistent
with the purpose of the ‘‘comparable
facilities’’ policy to provide new
facilities in the relocation band so that
the public continues to receive service.
The Commission seeks comment on
these leasing proposals.
13. Licensee Eligibility. Consistent
with the Commission’s findings in
earlier proceedings, the Commission
proposes to apply the relocation policies
discussed in this NPRM to BRS
incumbent primary licensees who seek
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comparable facilities at the time of
relocation. Any incumbent licensee,
whose license is to be renewed before
relocation, would have the right to
relocation only if its license is renewed.
The Commission further proposes that
an assignment or transfer of control
would not disqualify a BRS incumbent
in the 2150–2160 MHz band from
relocation eligibility so long as the
facility is not rendered, as a result, more
expensive to relocate. In addition, the
Commission proposes that if a
grandfathered BRS license (i.e.,
authorized facilities operating with a 35mile-radius PSA) is cancelled or
forfeited, and the right to operate in that
area has not automatically reverted to
the BRS licensee that holds the
corresponding BTA license, no new
licenses would be issued for BTA
service in the 2150–2160/62 MHz band.
The Commission seeks comment on
these eligibility proposals.
14. Future Licensing in the 2150–2160
MHz Band. In the Emerging
Technologies proceeding, the
Commission recognized two divergent
objectives when considering the types of
modifications and expansions existing
licensees could make without affecting
their status with respect to emerging
technology licensees—on one hand,
existing licensees must be allowed a
certain amount of flexibility to operate
without devaluing the usefulness of
their facilities; on the other hand, the
new entrants must be provided with a
stable environment in which to plan
and implement new services. The
Commission decided that the best way
to balance these divergent objectives
was to establish procedures whereby
existing licensees who chose to modify
or expand their facilities after a
particular date set by the Commission,
would do so on a secondary basis to
emerging technology licensees.
Consistent with this current relocation
policy and in order to provide some
certainty to new AWS licensees on the
scope of their relocation obligation, the
NPRM proposes that major
modifications to authorized facilities, as
discussed in the next paragraph, made
by BRS licensees after the effective date
of a Report and Order in this proceeding
will not be eligible for relocation. The
NPRM further proposes that major
modifications and extensions to existing
BRS systems will be authorized on a
secondary basis to emerging technology
systems in the 2150–2160 MHz band
after the effective date of the Report and
Order in this proceeding. Moreover, all
major modifications will render the
modified BRS licensee secondary to
emerging technology operations, unless
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61755
the incumbent affirmatively justifies
primary status and establishes that the
modification would not add to the
relocation costs of the emerging
technology licensees. In addition, the
NPRM proposes that BRS facilities
newly authorized in the 2150–2160
MHz band after the effective date of a
Report and Order in this proceeding
would not be eligible for relocation. The
Commission seeks comment on these
proposals.
15. For purposes of relocation, the
NPRM proposes to adopt criteria that
would be the basis for determining what
qualifies as a major modification for
BRS licensees. Adopting major
modification criteria for the purposes of
relocation is necessary because BRS
licensees are now licensed on a
geographic area basis, and thus are
allowed to place transmitters anywhere
within their defined service area
without prior authorization so long as
the licensee’s operations comply with
the applicable service rules, do not
affect radio-frequency zones, or require
environmental review or international
coordination. Specifically, the NPRM
proposes to adopt criteria that, for
example, would classify the additions of
new transmit sites or base stations and
changes to existing facilities that would
increase the size or coverage of the
service area or interference potential as
types of modifications that are major,
and thus not eligible for relocation.
Traditionally, these limits have been
expressed by identifying the distance by
which existing transmit sites can be
relocated, limiting increases in
emissions, and various other means.
Accordingly, the Commission seeks
comment on what the criteria should be
for major modifications and, in
particular, the criteria in the former
major modification rule for BRS
licensees, codified at 47 CFR 21.23; the
former rule for EBS licensees codified at
47 CFR 74.911(a)(2); or the current rule
for wireless telecommunications
services in § 1.929(d).
2. Negotiation Periods/Relocation
Schedule
16. The NPRM generally proposes to
require that negotiations for relocation
of BRS operations be conducted in
accordance with the Commission’s
Emerging Technologies policies, except
that we propose to forego a voluntary
negotiation period and instead require
only a mandatory negotiation period
that must expire before an emerging
technology licensee could proceed to
request involuntary relocation. The BRS
transition plan for the new band at
2495–2690 MHz has five stages: (1) The
initiation of the transition process—
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when a proponent files an initiation
plan for a geographic area with the
Commission; (2) the transition planning
period—where parties can file
counterproposals and any disputes
would go to arbitration; (3) the
reimbursement of costs; (4) the
termination of incumbent operations;
and (5) the filing of post-transition
notification of completion with the
Commission. The approximate time
needed for the BRS re-banding process
at 2495–2690 MHz includes 3–31⁄2 years
for the initiation and planning stages
and 11⁄2 years for the actual relocation,
for a total of approximately five years.
Thus, the Commission recognizes that
the new band where the BRS
incumbents are to be relocated is
undergoing its own transition process
that may not be completed until at least
2008. In light of these considerations,
the NPRM proposes to forego a
voluntary negotiation period and
institute ‘‘rolling’’ mandatory
negotiation periods (i.e., separate,
individually triggered negotiation
periods for each BRS licensee) of three
years followed by the involuntary
relocation of BRS incumbents. The
NPRM proposes that the mandatory
negotiation period would be triggered
for each BRS licensee when an AWS
licensee informs the BRS licensee in
writing of its desire to negotiate.
Relocation of BRS operations by AWS
licensees is more likely to take place in
a relatively piecemeal fashion and over
an extended period of time.
Consequently, it is possible that a
uniform mandatory negotiation period
applicable to all BRS licensees would
expire by the time that many BRS
licensees were approached for
relocation by an AWS entrant. The
Commission seeks comment on this
proposal.
17. Under Emerging Technologies
policies, the mandatory negotiation
period is intended as a period of
negotiation between the parties on
relocation terms resulting in a
contractual relocation agreement. The
mandatory negotiation period ensures
that an incumbent licensee will not be
faced with a sudden or unexpected
demand for involuntary relocation if an
emerging technology provider initiates
its relocation request, and provides
adequate time to prepare for relocation.
During mandatory negotiations, the
parties are afforded flexibility in the
process except that an incumbent
licensee may not refuse to negotiate and
all parties are required to negotiate in
good faith. If no agreement is reached
during negotiations, an AWS licensee
may proceed to involuntary relocation
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of the incumbent. In such a case, the
new AWS licensee must guarantee
payment of all relocation expenses, and
must construct, test, and deliver to the
incumbent comparable replacement
facilities consistent with Emerging
Technologies procedures. The
Commission notes that under Emerging
Technologies principles, an AWS
licensee would not be required to pay
incumbents for internal resources
devoted to the relocation process or for
fees that cannot be legitimately tied to
the provision of comparable facilities,
because such expenses are difficult to
determine and verify. The NPRM
proposes to apply these negotiation/
relocation principles to BRS licensees,
and seeks comment on doing so. The
NPRM also seeks comment on whether
to apply a ‘‘right of return’’ policy to
AWS/BRS relocation negotiations
similar to rule 47 CFR 101.75(d) (i.e., if
after a 12 month trial period, the new
facilities prove not to be comparable to
the old facilities, the BRS licensee could
return to the old frequency band or
otherwise be relocated or reimbursed).
The Commission asks parties to take
into account the time periods for the
transition occurring in the restructured
2495–2690 MHz band when providing
comments on this issue.
18. Sunset Date. The NPRM proposes
to apply the sunset rule of 47 CFR
101.79 to BRS relocation negotiations.
This rule provides that new licensees
are not required to pay relocation
expenses after ten years following the
start of the negotiation period for
relocation. Consistent with the
Commission’s proposal to establish
rolling mandatory negotiation periods,
the NPRM proposes that the ten year
sunset date commence from the date the
first AWS license is issued in the 2150–
2160 MHz band. However, because we
anticipate that portions of the spectrum
in the 2150–2160 MHz band will be
made available for AWS auction at
different times, the first AWS license
could be issued in one portion of the
band earlier than the first AWS license
is issued in another portion of the band.
We therefore seek comment on whether
we should establish different sunset
dates that are based on when the first
AWS license is issued for each portion
of the spectrum. In this case, the
commencement dates and subsequent
sunset dates are likely to be different for
BRS channels 1 and 2/2A. Alternately,
should we establish a single sunset date
for the entire band? If so, we seek
comment as to whether that sunset date
should be ten years from the date the
first AWS license is issued in whatever
portion of the 2150–2160 MHz band is
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the last to be licensed. Further, we seek
comment on when the ten year sunset
date should commence if we do not
adopt our proposal for rolling
mandatory negotiation periods. Finally,
commenters should consider that the
sunset date proposal we ultimately
adopt would apply apart from the
restructuring of the 2495–2690 MHz
band.
19. Good Faith Requirement. Finally,
the Commission expects the parties
involved in the replacement or retuning
of BRS equipment to negotiate in good
faith, that is, each party would be
required to provide information to the
other that is reasonably necessary to
facilitate the relocation process. The
NPRM therefore proposes to apply the
good faith guidelines of 47 CFR 101.73
to BRS negotiations, and seeks comment
on this proposal.
3. Interference Issues/Technical
Standards
20. The Commission currently
provides for the protection of fixed
microwave services operating in the 1.9
GHz and 2.1 GHz bands through the
provisions of 24.237 of our rules. Under
24.237, PCS licensees operating in the
1850–1990 MHz band and AWS
licensees operating in the 2110–2155
MHz band must, prior to commencing
operations, perform certain engineering
analyses to ensure that their proposed
operations do not cause interference to
incumbent fixed microwave services.
Part of that analyses calls for the use of
TIA Telecommunications Systems
Bulletin (TSB) 10–F, or its successor
standard, to determine when proposed
PCS or AWS operations might cause
interference to existing fixed microwave
stations.
21. The Commission seeks to develop
rules that will enable AWS licensees to
determine when their proposed
operations would cause interference to
incumbent BRS systems operating in the
2150–2160 MHz band, such that the
relocation of those systems would be
necessary before AWS operations could
begin. The NPRM therefore seeks
comment on whether a rule comparable
to § 24.237 should be developed for this
purpose. If so, we seek comment as to
what procedures and mechanisms
should be contained in such a rule (e.g.,
a ‘‘distance’’ table, such as Table 2 in
§ 24.237, which identifies the distance
from an AWS station within which a
BRS station must be protected; the use
of TIA TSB 10–F, or some comparable
document, to determine when
interference is expected to occur to BRS
stations, etc.). Commenters favoring this
approach should provide information
that would lead to the development of
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a distance table applicable to BRS
operations; and commenters should also
indicate whether and how TIA TSB 10–
F could be used to determine the
potential for interference to BRS
systems. Commenters not favoring the
use of a § 24.237 type rule should
indicate what procedures the
Commission should adopt to enable
AWS licensees to determine when their
operations will cause interference to
incumbent BRS systems.
B. Relocation of FS in the 2160–2175
MHz Band
22. In the Emerging Technologies
proceeding, the Commission established
procedures for the relocation of
incumbent operations by new
technology licensees in several
frequency bands, including the paired
bands at 2110–2150 MHz and 2160–
2200 MHz. Later, in the Microwave Cost
Sharing proceeding, the Commission
further addressed incumbent relocations
by new technology licensees. Together,
these proceedings provided for, among
other matters, relocation procedures that
included both voluntary and mandatory
negotiations, as well as relocation
sunset periods, as delineated in 47 CFR
part 101.
23. In 2000, in the MSS Second R&O
in ET Docket No. 95–18, the
Commission adopted ‘‘modified’’
Emerging Technologies relocation
procedures for FS incumbents in the
2165–2200 MHz band that would be
relocated by new MSS licensees in that
band. Under these ‘‘modified’’
procedures, the Commission eliminated
the voluntary negotiation period for
relocation of FS incumbents by MSS in
the 2165–2200 MHz band and provided
instead a single mandatory negotiation
period applying to all FS incumbents.
This single mandatory negotiation
period would be triggered when the first
MSS licensee informs, in writing, the
first FS incumbent of its desire to
negotiate. Furthermore, consistent with
its findings in the earlier Microwave
Cost Sharing proceeding, the
Commission established that the FS
relocation rules would sunset ten years
after the negotiations begin for the first
FS licensee.
24. In the AWS Second R&O in ET
Docket No. 00–258, the Commission
addressed the relocation procedures that
would apply to the relocation of
incumbent FS licensees by new AWS
entrants in the paired 2110–2150 MHz
band. The Commission concluded that
‘‘the modified [MSS] relocation
procedures [for the 2165–2200 MHz
band] * * * represent[ed] the best
course.’’ The Commission reasoned, ‘‘[a]
unified approach to our rules and
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procedures serves the public interest,
and can promote the rapid development
of AWS, which many commenters
support.’’
25. In the AWS Third R&O, also in ET
Docket No. 00–258, the Commission
reallocated the 1990–2000/2020–2025
MHz and 2165–2180 MHz bands for
Fixed and Mobile services to support
AWS. Subsequently in the AWS Sixth
R&O in ET Docket No. 00–258, the
Commission concluded that, given its
earlier decision in the AWS Second
R&O to apply the ‘‘modified’’ relocation
procedures to AWS relocation of FS in
the 2110–2150 MHz band, it would be
appropriate to apply the same
procedures to the relocation of FS by
AWS licensees in the 2175–2180 MHz
paired band.
26. In proposing relocation
procedures for incumbent FS operations
in the 2160–2175 MHz band, the
Commission continues to believe that it
is desirable to harmonize the FS
relocation procedures among the
various AWS designated bands to the
greatest extent feasible. As the
Commission observed in the AWS Sixth
R&O, 69 FR 62615, October 27, 2004,
relocation procedures that are consistent
can be expected to foster a more
efficient rollout of AWS and minimize
confusion among the parties, and
thereby serve the public interest.
27. Under the existing ‘‘modified’’
Emerging Technologies relocation
procedures described, there is a single
mandatory negotiation period that
commences when the first new
technology entrant informs the first FS
licensee, in writing, of its desire to
negotiate. A ten-year sunset period is
triggered when the mandatory
negotiation period begins. The NPRM
seeks comment on whether the
Commission should apply these same
procedures to FS relocation by AWS in
the 2160–2175 MHz band. As noted,
this would be consistent with the
procedures adopted in the AWS Second
R&O, 68 FR 3455, January 24, 2003, and
AWS Sixth R&O, 69 FR 62615, October
27, 2004, for the paired bands 2110–
2150 MHz and 2175–2180 MHz,
respectively.
28. The NPRM also proposes to clarify
that under the single mandatory
negotiation periods approach the tenyear sunset would supersede, and
thereby terminate, any remaining
mandatory negotiation period that had
not yet run its course. The NPRM
proposes that this ten-year sunset period
for the 2160–2175 MHz band should
commence with the date the first AWS
license is issued in that band. We seek
comment on this proposal, particularly
whether this trigger event represents the
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most appropriate date for starting the
ten-year sunset period. Because we have
not yet determined how we will make
this spectrum available for assignment,
it is possible that different portions of
the band may be licensed at different
times. We therefore seek comment as to
whether we should establish different
sunset periods for FS incumbents in
different frequency blocks within the
band, based on the date the first AWS
license is issued for each subset of the
band. We recognize that, in this case,
the commencement date and subsequent
sunset date may not be uniform across
the whole band. We also seek comment
on whether we should instead set a
uniform sunset date for the entire band
and, if so, what trigger date we would
use to determine that sunset date.
29. The Commission also seeks
comment on an alternative approach.
Relocation of FS operations by AWS
licensees is more likely to take place in
a relatively piecemeal fashion and over
an extended period of time.
Consequently, it is possible that a single
mandatory negotiation period afforded
under the existing relocation procedures
would expire before the time that many
FS licensees were approached for
relocation by an AWS entrant.
Therefore, we also seek comment on
whether each FS incumbent in the
2160–2175 MHz band should be
afforded a separate, individually
triggered, negotiation period—as
contrasted with the across-the-board
uniform period for all incumbents under
the existing relocation rules. Under this
alternative proposal, a mandatory
negotiation period would be triggered
by an event specific to each FS licensee,
which we propose would be when an
AWS licensee informs the FS licensee in
writing of its desire to negotiate. This
would result in a series of independent,
or ‘‘rolling,’’ negotiation periods, each
having its own time frame. One
potential benefit of the rolling
negotiation period approach is that it
could afford a greater opportunity for FS
incumbents and AWS licensees to
engage in relocation negotiations and
could foster a more equitable and
expeditious transition to AWS in the
band. On the other hand, this approach
could result in more complex
negotiation timetables. We seek
comment on this alternative proposal.
30. Other Bands. If we were to adopt
the alternative rolling negotiation period
approach described for the 2160–2175
MHz band, the Commission seeks
comment on whether the same approach
should be adopted for corresponding
paired segments of the 2110–2150 MHz
band. In a similar fashion, if we were to
adopt the rolling negotiation approach
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for these two bands, we seek comment
on whether the relocation procedures
adopted for the 2175–2180 MHz band in
the AWS Sixth R&O should also be
changed to afford rolling FS negotiation
periods, resulting in a unified rolling
negotiation period approach across
these bands. We also seek comment on
whether the modified sunset rules
discussed above should apply in these
other bands as well. Finally, we seek
comment on whether the relocation/
sunset procedures described here would
harmonize well with the procedures for
other Emerging Technologies bands that
have been addressed elsewhere in this
and other proceedings.
31. Incumbent Part 22 Services. The
Commission also seeks comment on
whether and how to harmonize the
Emerging Technologies relocation rules
for part 22 point-to-point microwave
links and part 101 fixed services. When
the Emerging Technologies relocation
rules were first adopted, fixed
microwave services in the spectrum
were regulated under parts 21, 22, and
94, dealing with Common Carrier fixed
point-to-point, fixed services supporting
Paging and Radiotelephone, and Private
Operational point-to-point, respectively.
To address relocation of all of these
fixed services, the Commission
established separate but identical
relocation rules in each Part. In 1996,
the Commission merged the rules
regulating Common Carrier and Private
Operational services in part 101 but left
fixed services supporting Paging and
Radiotelephone, along with the rules for
relocating these links, in part 22.
32. Although initially identical, the
Emerging Technologies relocation rules
in part 22 and in part 101 subsequently
diverged. When the Commission
determined that FS incumbents in the
2.1 GHz band would be subject to
modified relocation procedures, these
modifications were reflected in the part
101 relocation rules but inadvertently
not included in the part 22 rules,
although part 22 point-to-point services
also operated in the 2.1 GHz spectrum.
Thus, at that point, AWS entrants in the
2.1 GHz band would be required to
follow the original Emerging
Technologies rules to relocate part 22
links, but would use the modified rules
to relocate part 101 links.
33. The rules applicable to part 22
and part 101 links further diverged
recently, when the Commission
determined that it would not renew the
part 22 point-to-point licenses in the
2110–2130 and 2160–2180 MHz bands,
but instead allow all current part 22
fixed service licenses in these bands to
expire at the end of their current term.
Commission records indicate that there
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are 53 active part 22 fixed licenses in
these two bands, and that all will have
expired by January 3, 2010. Thus, all
part 22 fixed services will cease
operations in the 2.1 GHz band by 2010.
In contrast, part 101 FS licensees in the
Emerging Technologies spectrum are not
currently prohibited from renewing
their licenses.
34. The NPRM does not propose to
permit renewal of part 22 fixed service
licenses in the 2.1 GHz band. The
NPRM does seek comment, however, on
whether the relocation rules that apply
to AWS relocation of part 101 fixed
services should otherwise apply to AWS
relocation of part 22 services as well.
C. Cost Sharing
35. The Commission’s Emerging
Technologies relocation policies require
new licensees who benefit from the
clearing of the spectrum of incumbent
operations by an earlier entrant to
reimburse that entrant for reasonable
costs incurred in clearing the spectrum.
The Commission has found that
adopting cost sharing rules in these
circumstances serves the public interest
because it (1) distributes relocation costs
more equitably among the beneficiaries
of the relocation; (2) encourages the
simultaneous relocation of multi-link
communications systems; and (3)
accelerates the relocation process,
promoting more rapid deployment of
new services. In this section, we discuss
cost sharing among new licensees when
they relocate incumbent FS operations
in the 2110–2150 and 2160–2200 MHz
bands and when they relocate BRS
operations in the 2150–2160/62 MHz
band.
36. Relocation of Incumbent FS
Licensees. The part 101 relocation rules
address, inter alia, the cost sharing
obligation imposed on new licensees
when they relocate FS incumbents in
the 2110–2150 MHz and 2160–2200
MHz bands, which currently are used by
FS licensees mostly as paired links in
the lower and upper bands. Section
101.82 provides that when a new
licensee in either of these bands
relocates an incumbent paired FS link
with one path in one band and the
paired path in the other band, the new
licensee is entitled to reimbursement of
fifty percent of its relocation costs from
any subsequently entering new licensee
which would have been required to
relocate the same FS link, subject to a
monetary ‘‘cap.’’ We also note that this
rule applies to both new AWS licensees
in the 2110–2150 MHz and 2160–2180
MHz bands as well as to MSS licensees
in the 2180–2200 MHz band, which are
discussed separately below.
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37. In the AWS–2 Service Rules
NPRM, the Commission recognized that
a single FS path in these bands could
cross multiple AWS license areas, and
thus multiple AWS licensees could
benefit by the relocation of a single FS
link. The Commission thus sought
comment on whether it should adopt
formal procedures for apportioning
relocation costs among multiple AWS
licensees in the 2110–2150 MHz and
2175–2180 MHz bands, and in
particular, whether it should apply the
cost sharing rules in part 24 that were
used by new PCS licensees when they
relocated incumbent FS links in the
1850–1990 MHz band. In this NPRM,
the Commission seeks comment on
whether we should adopt formal
procedures for apportioning relocation
costs among multiple AWS licensees in
the 2160–2175 MHz band and in
particular, whether we should apply the
cost sharing rules in part 24. We also
seek comment on whether AWS
licensees in the 2160–2175 MHz band
should be subject to the same cost
sharing regime that we adopt for
relocation of FS incumbents in the
2110–2150 MHz and 2175–2180 MHz
bands.
38. Under the part 24 cost sharing
plan, new licensees that incur costs
relocating an FS link are eligible to
receive reimbursement from subsequent
new entrants that also benefited from
that relocation. Reimbursement claims
are submitted to one of the private nonprofit clearinghouses designated by the
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau to
administer the plan. All new entrants
are required to file a prior coordination
NPRM with these clearinghouses before
beginning operations. Upon receiving
such a NPRM, a clearinghouse with a
reimbursement claim on file identifies
whether the new entrant has benefited
from the relevant relocation using a
Proximity Threshold Test. This test
limits the beneficiaries to those entrants
turning on a base station that both
operates in the same spectrum that the
incumbent link did prior to relocation
and is within a specified geographic
distance of the link. Having identified a
new entrant as a beneficiary, the
clearinghouse then determines the
amount of the beneficiary’s repayment
obligation using a rule-specified cost
sharing formula. This amount is subject
to a cap of $250,000 per relocated link,
plus $150,000 if a new or modified
tower is required. Once the beneficiary
is notified of the amount, it is then
responsible for paying reimbursement
within 30 days, with an equal share of
the total going to each entrant that has
previously contributed to the relocation.
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FS incumbents that self-relocate are also
permitted to obtain reimbursement from
benefiting AWS entrants under the plan,
subject to the same cap described above.
Any disputes over cost sharing
obligations under the rules are
addressed in the first instance by a
clearinghouse, and if still unresolved,
by alternatives such as binding
arbitration. All of these payment
obligations are imposed as a default,
and new licensees are permitted to enter
into private cost sharing arrangements
with each other that supercede the cost
sharing plan as it applies to
reimbursement between those licensees.
39. The Commission believes that
adopting the part 24 cost sharing plan
for new AWS licensees that relocate FS
incumbents would have many benefits.
First, the part 24 plan was devised to
accommodate new cellular type systems
licensed by geographic areas and
incumbent FS point-to-point operations,
which are essentially the same
circumstances at issue here, and the part
24 plan has a proven record of success.
In 2000, the Commission reviewed the
operation of the part 24 cost sharing
rules and concluded that ‘‘[t]hey
generally have served to promote an
efficient and equitable relocation
process * * *.’’ In addition, since the
plan went into operation in 1996, the
Commission has resolved numerous
questions regarding the details of the
plan’s operation and application. We
therefore expect that there will be less
need for clarification if we adopt this
regime for AWS. For these reasons, we
anticipate that adopting these rules will
expedite the relocation of FS
incumbents and the introduction of new
services. The NPRM therefore proposes
to adopt a cost sharing plan for
relocation of FS incumbents in the
2160–2175 MHz band based on the part
24 plan and seek comment on this
proposal.
40. While the part 24 rules could be
applied to the relocation of FS
incumbents in the 2160–2175 MHz band
without substantial changes, the
Commission seeks comment on whether
some modifications are nevertheless
appropriate. For example, PCIA has
suggested in response to the AWS–2
Service Rules NPRM that, in
establishing a cost sharing plan for AWS
relocation of FS, we should modify the
part 24 plan by (1) establishing a rule
requiring licensing data to be filed by all
entities; (2) mandating that parties are
required to act in good faith in
connection with their responsibilities
under the cost sharing plan; (3)
providing that reasonable interest
charges can be applied to cost sharing
obligations; (4) creating an explicit
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mechanism for expedited appeal to the
Commission from a disputed
clearinghouse determination; and (5)
giving weight to the determinations of
the clearinghouse in such an appeal. We
seek comment on these suggested
changes to the part 24 plan.
41. The part 24 plan delegates
authority to the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau to assign
the administration of the cost sharing
rules to one or more private non-profit
clearinghouses. Management of the part
24 cost sharing rules by third-party
clearinghouses has been highly
successful, and two entities have
already expressed interest in accepting
this responsibility for AWS relocation of
FS in the 2110–2150 MHz and 2175–
2180 MHz bands. We seek comment on
the rules that should govern such a
clearinghouse and the procedures and
quality criteria we should use to select
a clearinghouse administrator.
42. As noted, MSS is allocated to the
2180–2200 MHz band. FS links in this
band are paired with FS links in the
2130–2150 MHz band which is
designated for AWS. Cost sharing
between MSS and AWS licensees in
these paired bands is governed by
§ 101.82, which provides that when a
new licensee in either of these bands
relocates an incumbent paired FS link
with one path in one band and the
paired path in the other band, the new
licensee is entitled to reimbursement of
fifty percent of its relocation costs (i.e.,
the total cost of relocating both paths)
from any subsequently entering new
licensee which would have been
required to relocate the same FS link,
subject to a monetary ‘‘cap.’’ The
Commission adopted relocation rules
for MSS that recognize the unique
characteristics of a satellite service. For
example, unlike a new terrestrial entrant
such as AWS that can clear the band on
a link-by-link basis, MSS must clear all
incumbent FS operations in the 2180–
2200 MHz band within the satellite
service area if interference will occur.
Thus, the relocation obligations and cost
sharing among MSS new entrants in the
2180–2200 MHz is relatively
straightforward and can function
without a clearinghouse or formal cost
sharing procedures. Section 101.82
establishes a sharing obligation between
MSS and AWS that is reasonable and
relatively easy to implement, and
because it does not depreciate cost
sharing obligations, it provides MSS
licensees with additional assurance of
cost recovery. In addition to this
consideration, we also do not wish to
change the relocation and cost sharing
rules applicable to MSS, because MSS
licensees are currently in the midst of
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the implementation and relocation
process. Subsequently, the AWS–2
Service Rules NPRM has sought
comment on how the AWS sharing
obligation (i.e., fifty percent for
relocating the link) should be
apportioned among multiple AWS
licensees. In this NPRM, the
Commission seeks comment on whether
MSS entrants entitled to reimbursement
under § 101.82 should submit their
reimbursement claims to an AWS
clearinghouse, including any
procedures we may adopt for filing such
claims. The Commission believes that
this approach would relieve MSS
licensees of the burden of identifying
the AWS licensees who would be
obligated to pay relocation costs. We
seek comment on this proposal.
43. Relocation of Incumbent BRS
Licensees. The NPRM proposes to
require AWS entrants to relocate BRS
operations in the 2150–2160/62 MHz
band on a link-by-link basis, based on
interference potential. We also note
certain instances where it may be
necessary for the AWS licensee to
relocate more BRS facilities than an
interference analysis conducted on a
link-by-link basis might indicate as
technically necessary, in order to
provide relocating incumbents with
comparable facilities—e.g., where an
AWS licensee may be required to
relocate BRS operations outside its own
service area or where BRS incumbents
operate on combinations of BRS
channels 1 and 2/2A. Thus, a
subsequent AWS licensee who operates
co-channel in an adjacent geographic
area or who operates on a different
frequency than the relocator would
benefit from the relocation of certain
BRS operations. The relocation of a
single BRS link could also have more
than one AWS beneficiary if the BRS
link uses spectrum that overlaps more
than one AWS license block.
Consequently, the Commission seeks
comment on whether we should
establish cost sharing obligations for
AWS licensees who benefit from an
earlier AWS licensee’s relocation of BRS
incumbents in the 2150–2160/62 MHz
band. For example, we seek comment
on whether cost sharing obligations
should be imposed on new licensees
that receive interference but do not
cause it, as is done with the PCS rules,
or only on those licensees that cause
interference, as is the case for both the
current Emerging Technologies and
MSS rules in part 101.
44. The Commission also seeks
comment on what, if any, specific cost
sharing obligations are necessary or
appropriate, including how costs should
be apportioned among AWS licensees.
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Although we noted that the part 24 plan
could be applied to FS relocation
without substantial changes, we believe
that this is not the case for BRS
operations which are significantly
different than point-to-point FS
operations. BRS operations are
primarily point-to-multipoint, based
either on a contour around a fixed
transmitter with protected receive sites
within the contour or on a wide
geographic area with multiple base and
receive sites located anywhere within
the licensed area. We thus seek
comment on what criteria could be used
to identify whether a subsequent AWS
licensee has an obligation to share the
cost of relocating a BRS incumbent and
how the reimbursement obligation
should be apportioned among AWS
licensees. Commenters should consider,
for example, whether we should require
each AWS licensee to bear this financial
responsibility in proportion to the
amount of spectrum in the 2150–2160/
62 MHz band for which it is licensed,
or in proportion to the amount of
geographic area cleared within its
licensed market, or some other metric,
such as MHz/pops. We also seek
comment on whether we should apply
a ‘‘cap’’ or some other limit on the
amount a relocator is entitled to receive
as reimbursement in order to protect
later entrants who did not participate in
negotiations; we also seek comment on
what the amount of the ‘‘cap’’ should
be. Moreover, we seek comment on
whether formal cost sharing procedures,
such as those in the part 24 plan, are
necessary or appropriate to implement
any cost sharing obligations we may
ultimately adopt, and if so, what
procedures we should adopt. Finally,
we seek comment on whether we
should designate a clearinghouse party
to administer any cost sharing rules we
may adopt, the rules that should govern
a clearinghouse and the procedure and
quality criteria we should use to select
a clearinghouse administrator.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
45. As required by the Regulatory
Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended
(RFA),1 the Commission has prepared
this present Initial Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the
possible significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities by
the policies and rules proposed in this
Fifth NPRM of Proposed Rule Making
(Fifth NPRM). Written public comments
are requested on this IRFA. Comments
1 See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601–
612, has been amended by the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
(SBREFA), Public Law 104–121, Title II, 110 Stat.
857 (1996).
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must be identified as responses to the
IRFA and must be filed by the deadlines
for comments on the Fifth NPRM. The
Commission will send a copy of this
Fifth NPRM, including this IRFA, to the
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration (SBA).2 In
addition, the Fifth NPRM and IRFA (or
summaries thereof) will be published in
the Federal Register.3
A. Need for, and Objectives of, the
Proposed Rules
46. The Fifth NPRM proposes
relocation procedures to govern the
relocation of: (1) Broadband Radio
Service (BRS) 4 licensees in the 2150–
2160/62 MHz band; and (2) Fixed
Microwave Service (FS) licensees in the
2160–2175 MHz band. The proposed
relocation procedures generally follow
the Commission’s relocation policies
delineated in the Emerging
Technologies proceeding, and as
modified by subsequent decisions.5
These relocation policies are designed
to allow early entry for new technology
providers by allowing providers of new
services to negotiate financial
arrangements for reaccommodation of
incumbent licensees, and have been
tailored to set forth specific relocation
schemes appropriate for a variety of
different new entrants, including
Personal Communications Service (PCS)
licensees, Mobile Satellite Service
(MSS) licensees, 18 GHz Fixed Satellite
Service (FSS) licensees, and Nextel.
While these new entrants occupy
2 See
5 U.S.C. 603(a).
3 Id.
4 The Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) was
renamed the Broadband Radio Service (BRS). See
Amendment of parts 1, 21, 73, 74 and 101 of the
Commission’s Rules to Facilitate the Provision of
Fixed and Mobile Broadband Access, Educational
and Other Advanced Services in the 2150–2162
MHz Band, WT Docket No. 03–66, Report and
Order and Further NPRM of Proposed Rulemaking,
19 FCC Rcd 14165 (2004), 69 FR 72020 and 69 FR
72048, December 10, 2004.
5 See Redevelopment of Spectrum to Encourage
Innovation in the Use of New Telecommunications
Technologies, ET Docket No. 92–9, First Report and
Order and Third NPRM of Proposed Rule Making,
7 FCC Rcd 6886 (1992); Second Report and Order,
8 FCC Rcd 6495 (1993); Third Report and Order and
Memorandum Opinion and Order, 8 FCC Rcd 6589
(1993); Memorandum Opinion and Order, 9 FCC
Rcd 1943 (1994); Second Memorandum Opinion
and Order, 9 FCC Rcd 7797 (1994); aff’d
Association of Public Safety Communications
Officials-International, Inc. v. FCC, 76 F.3d 395
(D.C. Cir. 1996) (collectively, ‘‘Emerging
Technologies proceeding’’). See also Teledesic, LLC
v. FCC, 275 F.3d 75 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (affirming
modified relocation scheme for new satellite
entrants to the 17.7–19.7 GHz band). See also
Amendment to the Commission’s Rules Regarding
a Plan for Sharing the Costs of Microwave
Relocation, WT Docket No. 95–157, First Report
and Order and Further NPRM of Proposed Rule
Making, 11 FCC Rcd 8825 (1996); Second Report
and Order, 12 FCC Rcd 2705 (1997) (collectively,
Microwave Cost Sharing proceeding).
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different frequency bands, each entrant
has had to relocate incumbent
operations. The relocation procedures
we propose in the Fifth NPRM are
designed to ensure an orderly and
expeditious transition of, with minimal
disruption to, incumbent BRS and FS
operations from the 2150–2160/62 MHz
and 2160–2175 MHz bands,
respectively, in order to allow early
entry for new AWS licensees into these
bands.
47. The Fifth NPRM seeks comment
on what specific relocation procedures
are best suited for the incumbent BRS
operators in the 2150–2160/62 MHz
band. For example, we propose a
mandatory negotiation period that must
expire before an emerging technology
licensee could proceed to request
involuntary relocation and, due to the
nature of BRS, ask whether we should
establish separate, individually
triggered negotiation periods for each
BRS licensee. We also seek to develop
rules that will enable AWS licensees to
determine when their proposed
operations would cause interference to
incumbent BRS systems operating in the
2150–2160 MHz band, such that the
relocation of those systems would be
necessary before AWS operations could
begin. We identified a number of
options for setting forth these technical
requirements, including implementation
of a ‘‘distance’’ table that identifies the
distance from an AWS station within
which a BRS station must be protected,
and the use of the TIA TSB 10–F
standard to determine when
interference is expected to occur to BRS
stations. The Fifth NPRM similarly seeks
comment on specific relocation
procedures for incumbent FS operations
in the 2160–2175 MHz band, including
options for modifying sunset periods to
accommodate new AWS entrants in the
band. The Fifth NPRM recognizes that
we have traditionally provided for cost
sharing among multiple new entrants
that benefit from the relocation of
incumbent licensees, and seeks
comment on what cost sharing
responsibilities should be implemented
between the first AWS entrant and other
subsequent AWS entrants in the 2150–
2160/62 MHz and the 2160–2175 MHz
bands. We note that in the Emerging
Technologies and Microwave Cost
Sharing proceedings, the Commission
established procedures for relocating
incumbent operations by new
technology licensees in the 2160–2200
MHz band whereby the new licensees
that relocate a paired microwave link
with one path in the 2110–2150 MHz
portion of the band and the other paired
path in the 2160–2200 MHz portion of
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the band are entitled to reimbursement
for a portion of their relocation
expenses. Because these procedures
encompass the 2160–2175 MHz band
discussed in the Fifth NPRM, we seek
comment on the appropriate application
of cost sharing requirements. One
option is to establish new cost sharing
procedures for the band that are based
on our existing part 24 cost sharing
rules that were used for PCS relocation,
while at the same time retaining and
integrating the existing cost sharing
requirement in part 101.
48. After evaluating comments filed in
response to the Fifth NPRM, the
Commission will examine further the
impact of all rule changes on small
entities and set forth its findings in the
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis.
B. Legal Basis
49. The proposed action is authorized
under sections 1, 4(i), 7(a), 301, 303(f),
303(g), 303(r), 307, 316, and 332 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as
amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 157(a),
301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307, 316, and
332.
C. Description and Estimate of the
Number of Small Entities to Which the
Proposed Rules Will Apply
50. The RFA directs agencies to
provide a description of and, where
feasible, an estimate of the number of
small entities that may be affected by
the proposed rules, if adopted.6 The
RFA generally defines the term ‘‘small
entity’’ as having the same meaning as
the terms ‘‘small business,’’ ‘‘small
organization,’’ and ‘‘small governmental
jurisdiction.’’ 7 In addition, the term
‘‘small business’’ has the same meaning
as the term ‘‘small business concern’’
under the Small Business Act.8 A small
business concern is one which: (1) Is
independently owned and operated; (2)
is not dominant in its field of operation;
and (3) satisfies any additional criteria
established by the SBA.9
51. Broadband Radio Service. The
Broadband Radio Service (BRS) consists
of Multichannel Multipoint Distribution
Service (MMDS) systems, which were
originally licensed to transmit video
65
U.S.C. 603(b)(3).
U.S.C. 601(6).
8 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the
definition of ‘‘small business concern’’ in 15 U.S.C.
632). Pursuant to the RFA, the statutory definition
of a small business applies ‘‘unless an agency, after
consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the
Small Business Administration and after
opportunity for public comment, establishes one or
more definitions of such term which are
appropriate to the activities of the agency and
publishes such definition(s) in the Federal
Register.’’ 5 U.S.C. 601(3).
9 Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632 (1996).
75
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programming to subscribers using the
microwave frequencies of Multipoint
Distribution Service (MDS) and
Instructional Television Fixed Service
(ITFS).10 In connection with the 1996
MDS auction, the Commission defined
‘‘small business’’ as an entity that,
together with its affiliates, has average
gross annual revenues that are not more
than $40 million for the preceding three
calendar years. The SBA has approved
of this standard.11 The MDS auction
resulted in 67 successful bidders
obtaining licensing opportunities for
493 Basic Trading Areas (BTAs).12 Of
the 67 auction winners, 61 claimed
status as a small business. At this time,
we estimate that of the 61 small
business MDS auction winners, 48
remain small business licensees. In
addition to the 48 small businesses that
hold BTA authorizations, there are
approximately 392 incumbent MDS
licensees that have gross revenues that
are not more than $40 million and are
thus considered small entities.13
52. In addition, the SBA has
developed a small business size
standard for Cable and Other Program
Distribution,14 which includes all such
companies generating $12.5 million or
less in annual receipts.15 According to
Census Bureau data for 1997, there were
a total of 1,311 firms in this category
that had operated for the entire year.16
Of this total, 1,180 firms had annual
receipts of under $10 million, and an
additional 52 firms had receipts of $10
million or more but less than $25
10 Amendment of Parts 21 and 74 of the
Commission’s Rules with Regard to Filing
Procedures in the Multipoint Distribution Service
and in the Instructional Television Fixed Service
and Implementation of Section 309(j) of the
Communications Act—Competitive Bidding, Report
and Order, 10 FCC Rcd 9589, 9593, paragraph 7
(1995) (‘‘MDS Auction R&O’’).
11 See Letter to Margaret Wiener, Chief, Auctions
and Industry Analysis Division, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, FCC, from Gary
Jackson, Assistant Administrator for Size Standards,
Small Business Administration (dated Mar. 20,
2003) (noting approval of $40 million size standard
for MDS auction).
12 Basic Trading Areas (BTAs) were designed by
Rand McNally and are the geographic areas by
which MDS was auctioned and authorized. See
MDS Auction R&O, 10 FCC Rcd at 9608, paragraph
34.
13 47 U.S.C. 309(j). Hundreds of stations were
licensed to incumbent MDS licensees prior to
implementation of section 309(j) of the
Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 309(j). For
these pre-auction licenses, the applicable standard
is SBA’s small business size standard for ‘‘other
telecommunications’’ (annual receipts of $12.5
million or less). See 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS code
517910.
14 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS code 517510.
15 Id.
16 U.S. Census Bureau, 1997 Economic Census,
Subject Series: Information, ‘‘Establishment and
Firm Size (Including Legal Form of Organization),’’
Table 4 (issued October 2000).
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61761
million.17 Consequently, we estimate
that the majority of providers in this
service category are small businesses
that may be affected by the proposed
rules and policies. Because the
Commission’s proposals only affect BRS
operations in the 2155–2160/62 MHz
band, the actual number of BRS
providers who will be affected by the
proposed relocation procedures will
only represent a small fraction of these
small businesses.
53. Fixed Microwave Services.
Microwave services include common
carrier,18 private-operational fixed,19
and broadcast auxiliary radio services.20
At present, there are approximately
36,708 common carrier fixed licensees
and 59,291 private operational-fixed
licensees and broadcast auxiliary radio
licensees in the microwave services.
The Commission has not yet defined a
small business with respect to
microwave services. For purposes of the
FRFA, we will use the SBA’s definition
applicable to Cellular and other
Wireless Telecommunications
companies—i.e., an entity with no more
than 1,500 persons.21 According to
Census Bureau data for 1997, there were
977 firms in this category, total, that
operated for the entire year.22 Of this
total, 965 firms had employment of 999
or fewer employees, and an additional
twelve firms had employment of 1,000
employees or more.23 Thus, under this
size standard, majority of firms can be
considered small. We note that the
number of firms does not necessarily
track the number of licensees. We
17 Id.
18 47 CFR part 101 et seq. (formerly, part 21 of
the Commission’s Rules) for common carrier fixed
microwave services (except MDS).
19 Persons eligible under Parts 80 and 90 of the
Commission’s rules can use Private-Operational
Fixed Microwave services. See 47 CFR parts 80 and
90. Stations in this service are called operationalfixed to distinguish them from common carrier and
public fixed stations. Only the licensee may use the
operational-fixed station, and only for
communications related to the licensee’s
commercial, industrial, or safety operations.
20 Auxiliary Microwave Service is governed by
Part 74 of Title 47 of the Commission’s Rules. See
47 CFR Part 74 et seq. Available to licensees of
broadcast stations and to broadcast and cable
network entities, broadcast auxiliary microwave
stations are used for relaying broadcast television
signals from the studio to the transmitter, or
between two points such as a main studio and an
auxiliary studio. The service also includes mobile
TV pickups, which relay signals from a remote
location back to the studio.
21 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS code 517212.
22 U.S. Census Bureau, 1997 Economic Census,
Subject Series: Information, ‘‘Employment Size of
Firms Subject to Federal Income Tax: 1997,’’ Table
5 (issued Oct. 2000).
23 Id. The census data do not provide a more
precise estimate of the number of firms that have
employment of 1,500 or fewer employees; the
largest category provided is ‘‘Firms with 1,000
employees or more.’’
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 206 / Wednesday, October 26, 2005 / Proposed Rules
estimate that all of the Fixed Microwave
licensees (excluding broadcast auxiliary
licensees) would qualify as small
entities under the SBA definition.
D. Description of Projected Reporting,
Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance
Requirements
54. The Fifth NPRM seeks comment
on proposals for relocation procedures
applicable to BRS licensees in the 2150–
2160/62 MHz band FS licensees in the
2160–2175 MHz band, but does not
propose service rules. Thus, the item
contains no new reporting,
recordkeeping, or other compliance
requirements.
E. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant
Economic Impact on Small Entities, and
Significant Alternatives Considered
55. The RFA requires an agency to
describe any significant alternatives that
it has considered in reaching its
proposed approach, which may include
the following four alternatives (among
others): (1) The establishment of
differing compliance or reporting
requirements or timetables that take into
account the resources available to small
entities; (2) the clarification,
consolidation, or simplification of
compliance or reporting requirements
under the rule for small entities; (3) the
use of performance, rather than design,
standards; and (4) an exemption from
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof,
for small entities.24
56. The proposals contained in the
Fifth NPRM are designed to provide
spectrum to support the introduction of
new advanced mobile and fixed
terrestrial wireless services. This action
is critical to the continuation of
technological advancement, furthers the
goals of the Telecommunications Act of
1996, and serves the public interest. We
are likewise committed to ensuring that
the disruption to incumbent operations
and the economic impact of this
proceeding on incumbent licensees is
minimal. As discussed in Section A,
supra, we have proposed to establish
rules based on our existing Emerging
Technologies relocation procedures to
govern the entry of new licensees into
the 2150–2160/62 MHz and 2160–2175
MHz bands. An alternative option
would be to offer no relocation process,
and instead require incumbent licensees
to cease use of the band by a date
certain and prohibit new licensees from
entering the band until that date. We
believe that an Emerging Technologiesbased relocation procedure is preferable,
as it draws on established and well
known principles (such as time-based
24 See
negotiation periods and the requirement
of negotiating in good faith), benefits
small BRS and FS licensees because the
proposals would require new AWS
licensees to pay for the costs to relocate
their incumbent operations to
comparable facilities, and—for small
AWS licensees—offers a process by
which new services can be brought to
the market expeditiously. Moreover, we
believe that the provision of additional
spectrum that can be used to support
AWS will directly benefit small
business entities by providing new
opportunities for the provision of
innovative new fixed and mobile
wireless services.
F. Federal Rules That May Duplicate,
Overlap, or Conflict With the Proposed
Rule
57. None.
Ordering Clauses
58. Pursuant to Sections 1, 4(i), 7(a),
301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307, 316, and
332 of the Communications Act of 1934,
as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i),
157(a), 301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307,
316, and 332, this Fifth NPRM of
proposed rule making is adopted.
59. Notice is hereby given of the
proposed regulatory changes described
in this Fifth NPRM of proposed rule
making, and that comment is sought on
these proposals.
60. The Commission’s Consumer and
Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference
Information Center, shall send a copy of
this Eighth Report and Order and Fifth
NPRM of proposed rule making,
including the Final Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis and the Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis to the
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch.
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 05–21407 Filed 10–25–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
5 U.S.C. 603(c).
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
49 CFR Parts 173 and 180
[Docket No. PHMSA–03–14405 (HM–220F)]
RIN 2137–AD78
Hazardous Materials Regulations:
Aluminum Cylinders Manufactured of
Aluminum Alloy 6351–T6 Used in
SCUBA, SCBA, Carbon Dioxide, and
Oxygen Service—Revised
Requalification and Use Criteria
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: On September 10, 2003, the
Research and Special Programs
Administration—the predecessor agency
to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration published a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to propose an inspection and testing
program for early detection of sustained
load cracking in certain cylinders
manufactured with aluminum alloy
6351–T6. Based on comments received
in response to that NPRM, we are
proposing to adopt a maximum service
life for cylinders manufactured with
aluminum alloy 6351–T6 and to
prohibit the use of these cylinders after
the expiration of their maximum service
life.
DATES: Comments must be received by
December 27, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
to Docket No. PHMSA–03–14405 (HM–
220F) by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for submitting
comments.
• DOT Web site: https://dms.dot.gov.
To submit comments on the DOT
electronic docket site, click ‘‘Comment/
Submissions,’’ click ‘‘Continue,’’ fill in
the requested information, click
‘‘Continue,’’ enter your comment, then
click ‘‘Submit.’’
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Docket Management System;
U. S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Hand Delivery: Docket Management
System; Room PL–401 on the plaza level
of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 206 (Wednesday, October 26, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61752-61762]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21407]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 2
[ET Docket No. 00-258; FCC 05-172]
Advanced Wireless Services
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document seek comment on the specific relocation
procedures applicable to Broadband Radio Service (BRS) operations in
the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, which the Commission recently decided will
be relocated to the newly restructured 2495-2690 MHz band. We also seek
comment on the specific relocation procedures applicable to Fixed
Microwave Service (FS) operations in the 2160-2175 MHz band. We propose
to generally follow our relocation policies delineated in our Emerging
Technologies proceeding and as modified by subsequent decisions.
DATES: Comments must be filed on or before November 25, 2005, and reply
comments must be filed on or before December 12, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by [ET Docket No. 00-
258], by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Federal Communications Commission's Web site: https://
www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: [Optional: Include the E-mail address only if you
plan to accept comments from the general public]. Include the docket
number(s) in the subject line of the message.
Mail: [Optional: Include the mailing address for paper,
disk or CD-ROM submissions needed/requested by your Bureau or Office.
Do not include the Office of the Secretary's mailing address here.]
People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request
reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language
interpreters, CART, etc.) by e-mail: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202-418-
0530 or TTY: 202-418-0432.
For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section of this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Priya Shrinivasan, Office of
Engineering and Technology, (202) 418-7005.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's NPRM
of Proposed Rule Making, ET Docket No. 00-258, FCC 05-172, adopted
September 23, 2005, and released September 29, 2005. The full text of
this document is available on the Commission's Internet site at https://
www.fcc.gov. It is also available for inspection and copying during
regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445
12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. The full text of this document
also may be purchased from the Commission's duplication contractor,
Best Copy and Printing Inc., Portals II, 445 12th St., SW., Room CY-
B402, Washington, DC 20554; telephone (202) 488-5300; fax (202) 488-
5563; e-mail FCC@BCPIWEB.COM.
Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's rules, 47
CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments and reply
comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this
document. Comments may be filed using: (1) The Commission's Electronic
Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) the Federal Government's eRulemaking
Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of
Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).
Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically
using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Filers
should follow the instructions provided on the Web site for submitting
comments.
For ECFS filers, if multiple docket or rulemaking numbers
appear in the caption of this proceeding, filers must transmit one
electronic copy of the comments for each docket or rulemaking number
referenced in the caption. In completing the transmittal screen, filers
should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address,
and the applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit
an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions,
filers should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and include the following
words in the body of the message, ``get form.'' A sample form and
directions will be sent in response.
Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must
file an original and four copies of each filing. If more than one
docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding,
filers must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or
rulemaking number.
Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial
overnight courier, or by first-class or
[[Page 61753]]
overnight U.S. Postal Service mail (although we continue to experience
delays in receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). All filings must be
addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary,
Federal Communications Commission.
The Commission's contractor will receive hand-delivered or
messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary at 236
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(tty).
Summary of NPRM of Proposed Rulemaking
1. In the Fifth NPRM of Proposed Rulemaking (Fifth NPRM), the
Commission seeks to establish a new record, specifically with respect
to relocation issues for the 2150-2160 MHz and 2160-2175 MHz bands as
proposed in the NPRM. The Commission notes that it has previously
sought comment on the use of Emerging Technologies policies in this
proceeding (ET Docket No. 00-258) in different contexts and asks that
parties file new comments on the issues in this Fifth NPRM, rather than
incorporate by reference previously filed comments in this proceeding.
2. The Commission continues to believe that its relocation policy,
with minor modifications to accommodate the type of incumbent
operations that are the subject of relocation and to maintain
consistency within the entire band at issue, is the best approach to
meet its goal of providing an opportunity for early entry to the 2150-
2160 MHz and 2160-2175 MHz bands for new Advanced Wireless Service
(AWS) licensees, while minimizing the disruption to incumbent Broadband
Radio Service (BRS) and Fixed Microwave Service (FS) operations during
the transition. The NPRM therefore proposes to generally apply the
Commission's relocation policy, as delineated in its Emerging
Technologies proceeding and subsequent decisions, to the spectrum
designated for AWS in this proceeding.
A. Relocation of BRS in the 2150-2160/62 MHz Band
3. This portion of the NPRM seeks comment on the relocation
procedures new AWS entrants should follow when relocating BRS incumbent
licensees from the 2150-2160/62 MHz band.
4. Background. In the AWS Second R&O in ET Docket No. 00-258, 68 FR
3455, January 24, 2003, the Commission reallocated and designated a 5
megahertz portion of the BRS band at 2150-2155 MHz for AWS use.
Subsequently, in the AWS Third NPRM, also in ET Docket No. 00-258, 68
FR 12015, March 13, 2003, the Commission further explored the
relocation needs for the BRS licensees in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band. On
July 29, 2004, the Commission released the BRS R&O and FNPRM in WT
Docket No. 03-66, 69 FR 72020 and 69 FR 72048, December 10, 2004,
respectively, that initiated a fundamental restructuring of the 2495-
2690 MHz band. This decision, which was intended to provide existing
and new licensees with enhanced flexibility to provide high-value
services, also included provisions by which existing BRS licensees in
the 2150-2160/62 MHz band would be included in the newly established
band plan, allowing these licensees to be integrated with similar
operations. Specifically, the Commission adopted a band plan in which
existing BRS channel 1 (2150-2156 MHz) would transition to the new BRS
channel 1 at 2496-2502 MHz and existing BRS channel 2/2A (2156-2162
MHz) to the new BRS channel 2 at 2618-2624 MHz. The Commission notes
that new entrants for spectrum now occupied by part of BRS channel 1
will be licensed in an upcoming AWS auction of the 2110-2155 MHz band.
With respect to the 2155-2160/62 MHz band, which consists of BRS
channels 2 and 2A and the upper one megahertz of BRS channel 1, the
Commission has not yet established new service rules for this band. In
the accompanying Eighth R&O in ET Docket No. 00-258, the Commission
reallocated and designated the entire 2150-2160 MHz band for AWS use.
5. BRS operations in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band consist of two
channels--channel 1 (2150-2156 MHz) and channel 2A (2156-2160 MHz).
Licensees may also use channel 2 (2156-2162 MHz) on a limited basis in
50 cities. BRS operations in the band are now regulated under part 27
of the Commission's rules. In 1992, when the 2160-2165 MHz band was
reallocated to emerging technologies, the Commission implemented a
policy by which incumbent BRS licensees that were using the 2160-2162
MHz band would continue such use on a primary basis. However, any BRS
station that applied for use of this band after January 16, 1992, would
be granted a license only on a secondary basis to emerging technology
use. In 1996, the Commission auctioned licenses for BRS channels on a
Basic Trading Area (BTA) basis but noted that BRS channel 2 licenses
using the 2160-2162 MHz band were secondary to emerging technology
licenses. BRS operators are providing four categories of service
offerings today: (1) Downstream analog video; (2) downstream digital
video; (3) downstream digital data; and (4) downstream/upstream digital
data. Licensees and lessees have deployed or sought to deploy these
services via three types of system configuration: high-power video
stations, high-power fixed two-way systems, and low-power, cellularized
two-way systems. Traditionally, BRS licensees were authorized to
operate within a 35-mile-radius protected service area (PSA) and
winners of the 1996 MDS auction were authorized to serve Basic Trading
Areas (BTAs) consisting of aggregations of counties. In the proceeding
that restructured the BRS band at 2495-2690 MHz, the Commission adopted
a geographic service area (GSA) licensing scheme for existing BRS
incumbents. Therefore, BRS relocation procedures must take into account
the unique circumstances faced by the various incumbent operations and
the new AWS licensees.
1. Relocation Process
6. Transition Plan. The NPRM proposes to require the AWS entrant to
relocate BRS operations on a link-by-link basis, based on interference
potential as discussed below. The NPRM further proposes to allow the
AWS entrant to determine its own schedule for relocating incumbent BRS
operations so long as it relocates incumbent BRS licensees before
beginning operation in a particular geographic area and subject to any
other build-out requirements that may be imposed by the Commission on
the AWS entrant. The Commission recognizes that this build-out period
may take time because of the large service areas to be built out for
new AWS networks but expects that the AWS licensees and the incumbent
BRS
[[Page 61754]]
licensees will work cooperatively to ensure a smooth transition for
incumbent operations.
7. In some instances relocation of BRS operations on a link-by-link
basis may be infeasible (e.g., where a transmitter serves numerous
receive sites, only some of which may pose an interference issue), and
thus in order to meet the comparable facility requirement for
relocating BRS operations, it may be necessary for the AWS licensee to
relocate more BRS facilities than an interference analysis conducted on
a link-by-link basis might indicate as technically necessary. The
Commission also recognizes that the AWS licensee is likely to deploy
its service in some locations in a manner that does not correspond to
the geography of the BRS service areas. For example, a BRS licensee's
operations may extend beyond the AWS licensee's service area (e.g.,
discrete transmit/receive combinations), and thus in order to meet the
comparable facility requirement for relocating BRS operations, the AWS
licensee may need to relocate BRS operations in the adjacent service
area even though an AWS licensee does not have license coverage in that
area. The NPRM therefore proposes to require that the AWS licensee
relocate all incumbent BRS operations that would be affected by the new
AWS operations, in order to provide BRS operators with comparable
facilities. The Commission seeks comment on these transition plan
proposals.
8. Comparable Facilities. In the AWS Third NPRM, the Commission
proposed that if relocation were deemed necessary, BRS incumbents would
be entitled to comparable facilities. In the Emerging Technologies
proceeding, the Commission allowed new entrants to provide incumbents
with comparable facilities using any acceptable technology. Under this
policy, incumbents must be provided with replacement facilities that
allow them to maintain the same service in terms of: (1) Throughput--
the amount of information transferred within the system in a given
amount of time; (2) reliability--the degree to which information is
transferred accurately and dependably within the system; and (3)
operating costs--the cost to operate and maintain the system. Thus, the
comparable facilities requirement does not guarantee incumbents
superior systems at the expense of new entrants. The Commission
continues to believe that, to minimize disruption to existing services
and to minimize the economic impact on licensees of those services, a
similar approach is warranted for BRS. We note that our relocation
policies do not dictate that systems be relocated to spectrum-based
facilities or even to the same amount of spectrum as they currently
use, only that comparable facilities be provided. Comparable facilities
can be provided by upgrading equipment to digital technology and making
use of efficient modulation and coding techniques that use less
spectrum to provide the same communications capabilities. Given
advances in technology, e.g., changing from analog to digital
modulation and the flexibility provided by our existing relocation
procedures to make incumbents whole, we believe that these differences
should be taken into account when providing comparable facilities. The
NPRM therefore proposes to require that new AWS entrants provide
comparable facilities to incumbents that are relocated, and seeks
comment on this proposal.
9. The Commission further notes that under its relocation policies
only stations with primary status are entitled to relocation. Because
secondary operations, by definition, cannot cause harmful interference
to primary operations nor claim protection from harmful interference
from primary operations at frequencies already assigned or assigned at
a later date, new entrants are not required to relocate secondary
operations. As stated above, BRS stations licensed after 1992 to use
the 2160-2162 MHz band are on a secondary basis. Thus, in some cases, a
portion of BRS channel 2 has secondary status, and this portion would
not be entitled to relocation under existing Emerging Technologies
policies. Stations licensed prior to 1992 for BRS channel 2 (2156-2162
MHz) operate on a primary basis over the entire channel and thus, would
be entitled to relocation. The NPRM proposes to apply the current
relocation policies regarding stations with primary and secondary
status to the BRS and seeks comment on this proposal.
10. The NPRM also seeks comment on how to apply the comparable
facilities requirement to unique situations faced by BRS licensees. For
example, the Commission recognizes that the incumbent BRS licensee may
change the type of services it offers as it transitions to the new BRS
band plan (e.g., from 1-way to 2-way service or from fixed to mobile
service), and seeks comment on how the comparable facilities policy
would be satisfied in such a situation. The NPRM also seeks comment on
how the relocation obligation of comparable facilities should be
applied to post-1992 licensees operating on a combination of BRS
channels 1 and 2/2A (e.g., integrated for downstream 2-way broadband
operations), considering these channels will likely transition to new
channels in the restructured band at different times. For example, the
Commission seeks comment on what the respective relocation obligations
should be for AWS licensees in the five megahertz block of BRS channel
1 (2150-2155 MHz) who will be licensed as part of the upcoming AWS
auction of the 2110-2155 MHz band and AWS licensees in the remaining
one megahertz block (2155-2156 MHz) who will be licensed at a later
date. In addition, we seek comment on whether replacement of customer
premises equipment (CPE) in use at the time of relocation (e.g.,
customer equipment that is used and will continue to be used in the
provision of 2-way broadband operations) should be part of the
comparable facilities requirement.
11. Because the Commission has already identified relocation
spectrum in the 2495-2690 MHz band (2.5 GHz band) for BRS licensees
currently in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band (2.1 GHz band), we also seek
comment on a proposal whereby the Commission would reassign 2.1 GHz BRS
licensees, whose facilities have not been constructed or are not in use
per Sec. 101.75 of the Commission's rules, to their corresponding
frequency assignments in the 2.5 GHz band as part of the overall BRS
transition. Specifically, the NPRM proposes to modify the licenses of
these 2.1 GHz BRS licensees to assign them 2.5 GHz spectrum in the same
geographic areas covered by their licenses upon the effective date of
the Report and Order in this proceeding. Under this proposal, no
subscribers would be harmed by immediately reassigning these licensees
to the 2.5 GHz band, consistent with our policy. Further, these BRS
licensees could become proponents in the transition of the 2.5 GHz band
and avoid delay in initiating new service (they would be limited in
initiating or expanding service in the 2.1 GHz band under other
proposals put forth in this Fifth NPRM), and new AWS entrants in the
2.1 GHz band could focus their efforts on relocating the remaining BRS
operations and their subscribers, facilitating their ability to clear
the band quickly and provide new service. The NPRM proposes to
undertake these license modifications pursuant to our authority under
Section 316 of the Communications Act. Specifically, Section 316(a)(1),
provides that ``[a]ny station license * * * may be modified by the
Commission * * * if in the judgment of the Commission such
[[Page 61755]]
action will promote the public interest, convenience and necessity.''
In addition, under the Commission's proposal, these reassigned BRS
licensees would not be entitled to ``comparable facilities'' under the
relocation policy since no facilities have been constructed or are in
use. Accordingly, the Commission seeks comment on this proposal. We ask
that commenters consider the impact of this proposal on the 2.5 GHz
transition set forth in the BRS R&O and FNPRM, as well as the impact on
the availability of the 2.1 GHz band for new AWS entrants.
12. Leasing. Some BRS licensees of channels 1 and 2 currently lease
their spectrum capacity to other commercial operators, and the
Commission has determined that future leasing of BRS and EBS spectrum
will be allowed under the Secondary Markets policy. Because leasing is
prevalent in the BRS bands, the ``comparable facilities'' policy needs
to address these arrangements. We recognize that leasing arrangements
vary--some BRS licensees may continue to lease their spectrum to third
parties when they relocate to the 2.5 GHz band, but others BRS
licensees may discontinue leasing arrangements prior to relocation. In
all cases, the BRS licensee retains de jure control of the license and
is the party entitled to negotiate for ``comparable facilities'' in the
relocation band. The NPRM proposes to allow incumbent BRS licensees to
rely on the throughput, reliability and operating costs of facilities
operated by a lessee in negotiating ``comparable facilities.'' In cases
where the BRS licensees continue to lease their spectrum to third
parties when they relocate to the 2.5 GHz band, the NPRM proposes that
the licensee may include the lessee in negotiations but that lessees
would not have a separate right of recovery--i.e., the new entrant
would not have to reimburse both the licensee and lessee for
``comparable facilities.'' Further, in cases where the BRS licensee
discontinues leasing arrangements prior to relocation, the NPRM
proposes that the lessee is not entitled to recover lost investments
from the new entrant. We believe that this approach is consistent with
the purpose of the ``comparable facilities'' policy to provide new
facilities in the relocation band so that the public continues to
receive service. The Commission seeks comment on these leasing
proposals.
13. Licensee Eligibility. Consistent with the Commission's findings
in earlier proceedings, the Commission proposes to apply the relocation
policies discussed in this NPRM to BRS incumbent primary licensees who
seek comparable facilities at the time of relocation. Any incumbent
licensee, whose license is to be renewed before relocation, would have
the right to relocation only if its license is renewed. The Commission
further proposes that an assignment or transfer of control would not
disqualify a BRS incumbent in the 2150-2160 MHz band from relocation
eligibility so long as the facility is not rendered, as a result, more
expensive to relocate. In addition, the Commission proposes that if a
grandfathered BRS license (i.e., authorized facilities operating with a
35-mile-radius PSA) is cancelled or forfeited, and the right to operate
in that area has not automatically reverted to the BRS licensee that
holds the corresponding BTA license, no new licenses would be issued
for BTA service in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band. The Commission seeks
comment on these eligibility proposals.
14. Future Licensing in the 2150-2160 MHz Band. In the Emerging
Technologies proceeding, the Commission recognized two divergent
objectives when considering the types of modifications and expansions
existing licensees could make without affecting their status with
respect to emerging technology licensees--on one hand, existing
licensees must be allowed a certain amount of flexibility to operate
without devaluing the usefulness of their facilities; on the other
hand, the new entrants must be provided with a stable environment in
which to plan and implement new services. The Commission decided that
the best way to balance these divergent objectives was to establish
procedures whereby existing licensees who chose to modify or expand
their facilities after a particular date set by the Commission, would
do so on a secondary basis to emerging technology licensees. Consistent
with this current relocation policy and in order to provide some
certainty to new AWS licensees on the scope of their relocation
obligation, the NPRM proposes that major modifications to authorized
facilities, as discussed in the next paragraph, made by BRS licensees
after the effective date of a Report and Order in this proceeding will
not be eligible for relocation. The NPRM further proposes that major
modifications and extensions to existing BRS systems will be authorized
on a secondary basis to emerging technology systems in the 2150-2160
MHz band after the effective date of the Report and Order in this
proceeding. Moreover, all major modifications will render the modified
BRS licensee secondary to emerging technology operations, unless the
incumbent affirmatively justifies primary status and establishes that
the modification would not add to the relocation costs of the emerging
technology licensees. In addition, the NPRM proposes that BRS
facilities newly authorized in the 2150-2160 MHz band after the
effective date of a Report and Order in this proceeding would not be
eligible for relocation. The Commission seeks comment on these
proposals.
15. For purposes of relocation, the NPRM proposes to adopt criteria
that would be the basis for determining what qualifies as a major
modification for BRS licensees. Adopting major modification criteria
for the purposes of relocation is necessary because BRS licensees are
now licensed on a geographic area basis, and thus are allowed to place
transmitters anywhere within their defined service area without prior
authorization so long as the licensee's operations comply with the
applicable service rules, do not affect radio-frequency zones, or
require environmental review or international coordination.
Specifically, the NPRM proposes to adopt criteria that, for example,
would classify the additions of new transmit sites or base stations and
changes to existing facilities that would increase the size or coverage
of the service area or interference potential as types of modifications
that are major, and thus not eligible for relocation. Traditionally,
these limits have been expressed by identifying the distance by which
existing transmit sites can be relocated, limiting increases in
emissions, and various other means. Accordingly, the Commission seeks
comment on what the criteria should be for major modifications and, in
particular, the criteria in the former major modification rule for BRS
licensees, codified at 47 CFR 21.23; the former rule for EBS licensees
codified at 47 CFR 74.911(a)(2); or the current rule for wireless
telecommunications services in Sec. 1.929(d).
2. Negotiation Periods/Relocation Schedule
16. The NPRM generally proposes to require that negotiations for
relocation of BRS operations be conducted in accordance with the
Commission's Emerging Technologies policies, except that we propose to
forego a voluntary negotiation period and instead require only a
mandatory negotiation period that must expire before an emerging
technology licensee could proceed to request involuntary relocation.
The BRS transition plan for the new band at 2495-2690 MHz has five
stages: (1) The initiation of the transition process--
[[Page 61756]]
when a proponent files an initiation plan for a geographic area with
the Commission; (2) the transition planning period--where parties can
file counterproposals and any disputes would go to arbitration; (3) the
reimbursement of costs; (4) the termination of incumbent operations;
and (5) the filing of post-transition notification of completion with
the Commission. The approximate time needed for the BRS re-banding
process at 2495-2690 MHz includes 3-3\1/2\ years for the initiation and
planning stages and 1\1/2\ years for the actual relocation, for a total
of approximately five years. Thus, the Commission recognizes that the
new band where the BRS incumbents are to be relocated is undergoing its
own transition process that may not be completed until at least 2008.
In light of these considerations, the NPRM proposes to forego a
voluntary negotiation period and institute ``rolling'' mandatory
negotiation periods (i.e., separate, individually triggered negotiation
periods for each BRS licensee) of three years followed by the
involuntary relocation of BRS incumbents. The NPRM proposes that the
mandatory negotiation period would be triggered for each BRS licensee
when an AWS licensee informs the BRS licensee in writing of its desire
to negotiate. Relocation of BRS operations by AWS licensees is more
likely to take place in a relatively piecemeal fashion and over an
extended period of time. Consequently, it is possible that a uniform
mandatory negotiation period applicable to all BRS licensees would
expire by the time that many BRS licensees were approached for
relocation by an AWS entrant. The Commission seeks comment on this
proposal.
17. Under Emerging Technologies policies, the mandatory negotiation
period is intended as a period of negotiation between the parties on
relocation terms resulting in a contractual relocation agreement. The
mandatory negotiation period ensures that an incumbent licensee will
not be faced with a sudden or unexpected demand for involuntary
relocation if an emerging technology provider initiates its relocation
request, and provides adequate time to prepare for relocation. During
mandatory negotiations, the parties are afforded flexibility in the
process except that an incumbent licensee may not refuse to negotiate
and all parties are required to negotiate in good faith. If no
agreement is reached during negotiations, an AWS licensee may proceed
to involuntary relocation of the incumbent. In such a case, the new AWS
licensee must guarantee payment of all relocation expenses, and must
construct, test, and deliver to the incumbent comparable replacement
facilities consistent with Emerging Technologies procedures. The
Commission notes that under Emerging Technologies principles, an AWS
licensee would not be required to pay incumbents for internal resources
devoted to the relocation process or for fees that cannot be
legitimately tied to the provision of comparable facilities, because
such expenses are difficult to determine and verify. The NPRM proposes
to apply these negotiation/relocation principles to BRS licensees, and
seeks comment on doing so. The NPRM also seeks comment on whether to
apply a ``right of return'' policy to AWS/BRS relocation negotiations
similar to rule 47 CFR 101.75(d) (i.e., if after a 12 month trial
period, the new facilities prove not to be comparable to the old
facilities, the BRS licensee could return to the old frequency band or
otherwise be relocated or reimbursed). The Commission asks parties to
take into account the time periods for the transition occurring in the
restructured 2495-2690 MHz band when providing comments on this issue.
18. Sunset Date. The NPRM proposes to apply the sunset rule of 47
CFR 101.79 to BRS relocation negotiations. This rule provides that new
licensees are not required to pay relocation expenses after ten years
following the start of the negotiation period for relocation.
Consistent with the Commission's proposal to establish rolling
mandatory negotiation periods, the NPRM proposes that the ten year
sunset date commence from the date the first AWS license is issued in
the 2150-2160 MHz band. However, because we anticipate that portions of
the spectrum in the 2150-2160 MHz band will be made available for AWS
auction at different times, the first AWS license could be issued in
one portion of the band earlier than the first AWS license is issued in
another portion of the band. We therefore seek comment on whether we
should establish different sunset dates that are based on when the
first AWS license is issued for each portion of the spectrum. In this
case, the commencement dates and subsequent sunset dates are likely to
be different for BRS channels 1 and 2/2A. Alternately, should we
establish a single sunset date for the entire band? If so, we seek
comment as to whether that sunset date should be ten years from the
date the first AWS license is issued in whatever portion of the 2150-
2160 MHz band is the last to be licensed. Further, we seek comment on
when the ten year sunset date should commence if we do not adopt our
proposal for rolling mandatory negotiation periods. Finally, commenters
should consider that the sunset date proposal we ultimately adopt would
apply apart from the restructuring of the 2495-2690 MHz band.
19. Good Faith Requirement. Finally, the Commission expects the
parties involved in the replacement or retuning of BRS equipment to
negotiate in good faith, that is, each party would be required to
provide information to the other that is reasonably necessary to
facilitate the relocation process. The NPRM therefore proposes to apply
the good faith guidelines of 47 CFR 101.73 to BRS negotiations, and
seeks comment on this proposal.
3. Interference Issues/Technical Standards
20. The Commission currently provides for the protection of fixed
microwave services operating in the 1.9 GHz and 2.1 GHz bands through
the provisions of 24.237 of our rules. Under 24.237, PCS licensees
operating in the 1850-1990 MHz band and AWS licensees operating in the
2110-2155 MHz band must, prior to commencing operations, perform
certain engineering analyses to ensure that their proposed operations
do not cause interference to incumbent fixed microwave services. Part
of that analyses calls for the use of TIA Telecommunications Systems
Bulletin (TSB) 10-F, or its successor standard, to determine when
proposed PCS or AWS operations might cause interference to existing
fixed microwave stations.
21. The Commission seeks to develop rules that will enable AWS
licensees to determine when their proposed operations would cause
interference to incumbent BRS systems operating in the 2150-2160 MHz
band, such that the relocation of those systems would be necessary
before AWS operations could begin. The NPRM therefore seeks comment on
whether a rule comparable to Sec. 24.237 should be developed for this
purpose. If so, we seek comment as to what procedures and mechanisms
should be contained in such a rule (e.g., a ``distance'' table, such as
Table 2 in Sec. 24.237, which identifies the distance from an AWS
station within which a BRS station must be protected; the use of TIA
TSB 10-F, or some comparable document, to determine when interference
is expected to occur to BRS stations, etc.). Commenters favoring this
approach should provide information that would lead to the development
of
[[Page 61757]]
a distance table applicable to BRS operations; and commenters should
also indicate whether and how TIA TSB 10-F could be used to determine
the potential for interference to BRS systems. Commenters not favoring
the use of a Sec. 24.237 type rule should indicate what procedures the
Commission should adopt to enable AWS licensees to determine when their
operations will cause interference to incumbent BRS systems.
B. Relocation of FS in the 2160-2175 MHz Band
22. In the Emerging Technologies proceeding, the Commission
established procedures for the relocation of incumbent operations by
new technology licensees in several frequency bands, including the
paired bands at 2110-2150 MHz and 2160-2200 MHz. Later, in the
Microwave Cost Sharing proceeding, the Commission further addressed
incumbent relocations by new technology licensees. Together, these
proceedings provided for, among other matters, relocation procedures
that included both voluntary and mandatory negotiations, as well as
relocation sunset periods, as delineated in 47 CFR part 101.
23. In 2000, in the MSS Second R&O in ET Docket No. 95-18, the
Commission adopted ``modified'' Emerging Technologies relocation
procedures for FS incumbents in the 2165-2200 MHz band that would be
relocated by new MSS licensees in that band. Under these ``modified''
procedures, the Commission eliminated the voluntary negotiation period
for relocation of FS incumbents by MSS in the 2165-2200 MHz band and
provided instead a single mandatory negotiation period applying to all
FS incumbents. This single mandatory negotiation period would be
triggered when the first MSS licensee informs, in writing, the first FS
incumbent of its desire to negotiate. Furthermore, consistent with its
findings in the earlier Microwave Cost Sharing proceeding, the
Commission established that the FS relocation rules would sunset ten
years after the negotiations begin for the first FS licensee.
24. In the AWS Second R&O in ET Docket No. 00-258, the Commission
addressed the relocation procedures that would apply to the relocation
of incumbent FS licensees by new AWS entrants in the paired 2110-2150
MHz band. The Commission concluded that ``the modified [MSS] relocation
procedures [for the 2165-2200 MHz band] * * * represent[ed] the best
course.'' The Commission reasoned, ``[a] unified approach to our rules
and procedures serves the public interest, and can promote the rapid
development of AWS, which many commenters support.''
25. In the AWS Third R&O, also in ET Docket No. 00-258, the
Commission reallocated the 1990-2000/2020-2025 MHz and 2165-2180 MHz
bands for Fixed and Mobile services to support AWS. Subsequently in the
AWS Sixth R&O in ET Docket No. 00-258, the Commission concluded that,
given its earlier decision in the AWS Second R&O to apply the
``modified'' relocation procedures to AWS relocation of FS in the 2110-
2150 MHz band, it would be appropriate to apply the same procedures to
the relocation of FS by AWS licensees in the 2175-2180 MHz paired band.
26. In proposing relocation procedures for incumbent FS operations
in the 2160-2175 MHz band, the Commission continues to believe that it
is desirable to harmonize the FS relocation procedures among the
various AWS designated bands to the greatest extent feasible. As the
Commission observed in the AWS Sixth R&O, 69 FR 62615, October 27,
2004, relocation procedures that are consistent can be expected to
foster a more efficient rollout of AWS and minimize confusion among the
parties, and thereby serve the public interest.
27. Under the existing ``modified'' Emerging Technologies
relocation procedures described, there is a single mandatory
negotiation period that commences when the first new technology entrant
informs the first FS licensee, in writing, of its desire to negotiate.
A ten-year sunset period is triggered when the mandatory negotiation
period begins. The NPRM seeks comment on whether the Commission should
apply these same procedures to FS relocation by AWS in the 2160-2175
MHz band. As noted, this would be consistent with the procedures
adopted in the AWS Second R&O, 68 FR 3455, January 24, 2003, and AWS
Sixth R&O, 69 FR 62615, October 27, 2004, for the paired bands 2110-
2150 MHz and 2175-2180 MHz, respectively.
28. The NPRM also proposes to clarify that under the single
mandatory negotiation periods approach the ten-year sunset would
supersede, and thereby terminate, any remaining mandatory negotiation
period that had not yet run its course. The NPRM proposes that this
ten-year sunset period for the 2160-2175 MHz band should commence with
the date the first AWS license is issued in that band. We seek comment
on this proposal, particularly whether this trigger event represents
the most appropriate date for starting the ten-year sunset period.
Because we have not yet determined how we will make this spectrum
available for assignment, it is possible that different portions of the
band may be licensed at different times. We therefore seek comment as
to whether we should establish different sunset periods for FS
incumbents in different frequency blocks within the band, based on the
date the first AWS license is issued for each subset of the band. We
recognize that, in this case, the commencement date and subsequent
sunset date may not be uniform across the whole band. We also seek
comment on whether we should instead set a uniform sunset date for the
entire band and, if so, what trigger date we would use to determine
that sunset date.
29. The Commission also seeks comment on an alternative approach.
Relocation of FS operations by AWS licensees is more likely to take
place in a relatively piecemeal fashion and over an extended period of
time. Consequently, it is possible that a single mandatory negotiation
period afforded under the existing relocation procedures would expire
before the time that many FS licensees were approached for relocation
by an AWS entrant. Therefore, we also seek comment on whether each FS
incumbent in the 2160-2175 MHz band should be afforded a separate,
individually triggered, negotiation period--as contrasted with the
across-the-board uniform period for all incumbents under the existing
relocation rules. Under this alternative proposal, a mandatory
negotiation period would be triggered by an event specific to each FS
licensee, which we propose would be when an AWS licensee informs the FS
licensee in writing of its desire to negotiate. This would result in a
series of independent, or ``rolling,'' negotiation periods, each having
its own time frame. One potential benefit of the rolling negotiation
period approach is that it could afford a greater opportunity for FS
incumbents and AWS licensees to engage in relocation negotiations and
could foster a more equitable and expeditious transition to AWS in the
band. On the other hand, this approach could result in more complex
negotiation timetables. We seek comment on this alternative proposal.
30. Other Bands. If we were to adopt the alternative rolling
negotiation period approach described for the 2160-2175 MHz band, the
Commission seeks comment on whether the same approach should be adopted
for corresponding paired segments of the 2110-2150 MHz band. In a
similar fashion, if we were to adopt the rolling negotiation approach
[[Page 61758]]
for these two bands, we seek comment on whether the relocation
procedures adopted for the 2175-2180 MHz band in the AWS Sixth R&O
should also be changed to afford rolling FS negotiation periods,
resulting in a unified rolling negotiation period approach across these
bands. We also seek comment on whether the modified sunset rules
discussed above should apply in these other bands as well. Finally, we
seek comment on whether the relocation/sunset procedures described here
would harmonize well with the procedures for other Emerging
Technologies bands that have been addressed elsewhere in this and other
proceedings.
31. Incumbent Part 22 Services. The Commission also seeks comment
on whether and how to harmonize the Emerging Technologies relocation
rules for part 22 point-to-point microwave links and part 101 fixed
services. When the Emerging Technologies relocation rules were first
adopted, fixed microwave services in the spectrum were regulated under
parts 21, 22, and 94, dealing with Common Carrier fixed point-to-point,
fixed services supporting Paging and Radiotelephone, and Private
Operational point-to-point, respectively. To address relocation of all
of these fixed services, the Commission established separate but
identical relocation rules in each Part. In 1996, the Commission merged
the rules regulating Common Carrier and Private Operational services in
part 101 but left fixed services supporting Paging and Radiotelephone,
along with the rules for relocating these links, in part 22.
32. Although initially identical, the Emerging Technologies
relocation rules in part 22 and in part 101 subsequently diverged. When
the Commission determined that FS incumbents in the 2.1 GHz band would
be subject to modified relocation procedures, these modifications were
reflected in the part 101 relocation rules but inadvertently not
included in the part 22 rules, although part 22 point-to-point services
also operated in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. Thus, at that point, AWS
entrants in the 2.1 GHz band would be required to follow the original
Emerging Technologies rules to relocate part 22 links, but would use
the modified rules to relocate part 101 links.
33. The rules applicable to part 22 and part 101 links further
diverged recently, when the Commission determined that it would not
renew the part 22 point-to-point licenses in the 2110-2130 and 2160-
2180 MHz bands, but instead allow all current part 22 fixed service
licenses in these bands to expire at the end of their current term.
Commission records indicate that there are 53 active part 22 fixed
licenses in these two bands, and that all will have expired by January
3, 2010. Thus, all part 22 fixed services will cease operations in the
2.1 GHz band by 2010. In contrast, part 101 FS licensees in the
Emerging Technologies spectrum are not currently prohibited from
renewing their licenses.
34. The NPRM does not propose to permit renewal of part 22 fixed
service licenses in the 2.1 GHz band. The NPRM does seek comment,
however, on whether the relocation rules that apply to AWS relocation
of part 101 fixed services should otherwise apply to AWS relocation of
part 22 services as well.
C. Cost Sharing
35. The Commission's Emerging Technologies relocation policies
require new licensees who benefit from the clearing of the spectrum of
incumbent operations by an earlier entrant to reimburse that entrant
for reasonable costs incurred in clearing the spectrum. The Commission
has found that adopting cost sharing rules in these circumstances
serves the public interest because it (1) distributes relocation costs
more equitably among the beneficiaries of the relocation; (2)
encourages the simultaneous relocation of multi-link communications
systems; and (3) accelerates the relocation process, promoting more
rapid deployment of new services. In this section, we discuss cost
sharing among new licensees when they relocate incumbent FS operations
in the 2110-2150 and 2160-2200 MHz bands and when they relocate BRS
operations in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band.
36. Relocation of Incumbent FS Licensees. The part 101 relocation
rules address, inter alia, the cost sharing obligation imposed on new
licensees when they relocate FS incumbents in the 2110-2150 MHz and
2160-2200 MHz bands, which currently are used by FS licensees mostly as
paired links in the lower and upper bands. Section 101.82 provides that
when a new licensee in either of these bands relocates an incumbent
paired FS link with one path in one band and the paired path in the
other band, the new licensee is entitled to reimbursement of fifty
percent of its relocation costs from any subsequently entering new
licensee which would have been required to relocate the same FS link,
subject to a monetary ``cap.'' We also note that this rule applies to
both new AWS licensees in the 2110-2150 MHz and 2160-2180 MHz bands as
well as to MSS licensees in the 2180-2200 MHz band, which are discussed
separately below.
37. In the AWS-2 Service Rules NPRM, the Commission recognized that
a single FS path in these bands could cross multiple AWS license areas,
and thus multiple AWS licensees could benefit by the relocation of a
single FS link. The Commission thus sought comment on whether it should
adopt formal procedures for apportioning relocation costs among
multiple AWS licensees in the 2110-2150 MHz and 2175-2180 MHz bands,
and in particular, whether it should apply the cost sharing rules in
part 24 that were used by new PCS licensees when they relocated
incumbent FS links in the 1850-1990 MHz band. In this NPRM, the
Commission seeks comment on whether we should adopt formal procedures
for apportioning relocation costs among multiple AWS licensees in the
2160-2175 MHz band and in particular, whether we should apply the cost
sharing rules in part 24. We also seek comment on whether AWS licensees
in the 2160-2175 MHz band should be subject to the same cost sharing
regime that we adopt for relocation of FS incumbents in the 2110-2150
MHz and 2175-2180 MHz bands.
38. Under the part 24 cost sharing plan, new licensees that incur
costs relocating an FS link are eligible to receive reimbursement from
subsequent new entrants that also benefited from that relocation.
Reimbursement claims are submitted to one of the private non-profit
clearinghouses designated by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau to
administer the plan. All new entrants are required to file a prior
coordination NPRM with these clearinghouses before beginning
operations. Upon receiving such a NPRM, a clearinghouse with a
reimbursement claim on file identifies whether the new entrant has
benefited from the relevant relocation using a Proximity Threshold
Test. This test limits the beneficiaries to those entrants turning on a
base station that both operates in the same spectrum that the incumbent
link did prior to relocation and is within a specified geographic
distance of the link. Having identified a new entrant as a beneficiary,
the clearinghouse then determines the amount of the beneficiary's
repayment obligation using a rule-specified cost sharing formula. This
amount is subject to a cap of $250,000 per relocated link, plus
$150,000 if a new or modified tower is required. Once the beneficiary
is notified of the amount, it is then responsible for paying
reimbursement within 30 days, with an equal share of the total going to
each entrant that has previously contributed to the relocation.
[[Page 61759]]
FS incumbents that self-relocate are also permitted to obtain
reimbursement from benefiting AWS entrants under the plan, subject to
the same cap described above. Any disputes over cost sharing
obligations under the rules are addressed in the first instance by a
clearinghouse, and if still unresolved, by alternatives such as binding
arbitration. All of these payment obligations are imposed as a default,
and new licensees are permitted to enter into private cost sharing
arrangements with each other that supercede the cost sharing plan as it
applies to reimbursement between those licensees.
39. The Commission believes that adopting the part 24 cost sharing
plan for new AWS licensees that relocate FS incumbents would have many
benefits. First, the part 24 plan was devised to accommodate new
cellular type systems licensed by geographic areas and incumbent FS
point-to-point operations, which are essentially the same circumstances
at issue here, and the part 24 plan has a proven record of success. In
2000, the Commission reviewed the operation of the part 24 cost sharing
rules and concluded that ``[t]hey generally have served to promote an
efficient and equitable relocation process * * *.'' In addition, since
the plan went into operation in 1996, the Commission has resolved
numerous questions regarding the details of the plan's operation and
application. We therefore expect that there will be less need for
clarification if we adopt this regime for AWS. For these reasons, we
anticipate that adopting these rules will expedite the relocation of FS
incumbents and the introduction of new services. The NPRM therefore
proposes to adopt a cost sharing plan for relocation of FS incumbents
in the 2160-2175 MHz band based on the part 24 plan and seek comment on
this proposal.
40. While the part 24 rules could be applied to the relocation of
FS incumbents in the 2160-2175 MHz band without substantial changes,
the Commission seeks comment on whether some modifications are
nevertheless appropriate. For example, PCIA has suggested in response
to the AWS-2 Service Rules NPRM that, in establishing a cost sharing
plan for AWS relocation of FS, we should modify the part 24 plan by (1)
establishing a rule requiring licensing data to be filed by all
entities; (2) mandating that parties are required to act in good faith
in connection with their responsibilities under the cost sharing plan;
(3) providing that reasonable interest charges can be applied to cost
sharing obligations; (4) creating an explicit mechanism for expedited
appeal to the Commission from a disputed clearinghouse determination;
and (5) giving weight to the determinations of the clearinghouse in
such an appeal. We seek comment on these suggested changes to the part
24 plan.
41. The part 24 plan delegates authority to the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau to assign the administration of the cost
sharing rules to one or more private non-profit clearinghouses.
Management of the part 24 cost sharing rules by third-party
clearinghouses has been highly successful, and two entities have
already expressed interest in accepting this responsibility for AWS
relocation of FS in the 2110-2150 MHz and 2175-2180 MHz bands. We seek
comment on the rules that should govern such a clearinghouse and the
procedures and quality criteria we should use to select a clearinghouse
administrator.
42. As noted, MSS is allocated to the 2180-2200 MHz band. FS links
in this band are paired with FS links in the 2130-2150 MHz band which
is designated for AWS. Cost sharing between MSS and AWS licensees in
these paired bands is governed by Sec. 101.82, which provides that
when a new licensee in either of these bands relocates an incumbent
paired FS link with one path in one band and the paired path in the
other band, the new licensee is entitled to reimbursement of fifty
percent of its relocation costs (i.e., the total cost of relocating
both paths) from any subsequently entering new licensee which would
have been required to relocate the same FS link, subject to a monetary
``cap.'' The Commission adopted relocation rules for MSS that recognize
the unique characteristics of a satellite service. For example, unlike
a new terrestrial entrant such as AWS that can clear the band on a
link-by-link basis, MSS must clear all incumbent FS operations in the
2180-2200 MHz band within the satellite service area if interference
will occur. Thus, the relocation obligations and cost sharing among MSS
new entrants in the 2180-2200 MHz is relatively straightforward and can
function without a clearinghouse or formal cost sharing procedures.
Section 101.82 establishes a sharing obligation between MSS and AWS
that is reasonable and relatively easy to implement, and because it
does not depreciate cost sharing obligations, it provides MSS licensees
with additional assurance of cost recovery. In addition to this
consideration, we also do not wish to change the relocation and cost
sharing rules applicable to MSS, because MSS licensees are currently in
the midst of the implementation and relocation process. Subsequently,
the AWS-2 Service Rules NPRM has sought comment on how the AWS sharing
obligation (i.e., fifty percent for relocating the link) should be
apportioned among multiple AWS licensees. In this NPRM, the Commission
seeks comment on whether MSS entrants entitled to reimbursement under
Sec. 101.82 should submit their reimbursement claims to an AWS
clearinghouse, including any procedures we may adopt for filing such
claims. The Commission believes that this approach would relieve MSS
licensees of the burden of identifying the AWS licensees who would be
obligated to pay relocation costs. We seek comment on this proposal.
43. Relocation of Incumbent BRS Licensees. The NPRM proposes to
require AWS entrants to relocate BRS operations in the 2150-2160/62 MHz
band on a link-by-link basis, based on interference potential. We also
note certain instances where it may be necessary for the AWS licensee
to relocate more BRS facilities than an interference analysis conducted
on a link-by-link basis might indicate as technically necessary, in
order to provide relocating incumbents with comparable facilities--
e.g., where an AWS licensee may be required to relocate BRS operations
outside its own service area or where BRS incumbents operate on
combinations of BRS channels 1 and 2/2A. Thus, a subsequent AWS
licensee who operates co-channel in an adjacent geographic area or who
operates on a different frequency than the relocator would benefit from
the relocation of certain BRS operations. The relocation of a single
BRS link could also have more than one AWS beneficiary if the BRS link
uses spectrum that overlaps more than one AWS license block.
Consequently, the Commission seeks comment on whether we should
establish cost sharing obligations for AWS licensees who benefit from
an earlier AWS licensee's relocation of BRS incumbents in the 2150-
2160/62 MHz band. For example, we seek comment on whether cost sharing
obligations should be imposed on new licensees that receive
interference but do not cause it, as is done with the PCS rules, or
only on those licensees that cause interference, as is the case for
both the current Emerging Technologies and MSS rules in part 101.
44. The Commission also seeks comment on what, if any, specific
cost sharing obligations are necessary or appropriate, including how
costs should be apportioned among AWS licensees.
[[Page 61760]]
Although we noted that the part 24 plan could be applied to FS
relocation without substantial changes, we believe that this is not the
case for BRS operations which are significantly different than point-
to-point FS operations. BRS operations are primarily point-to-
multipoint, based either on a contour around a fixed transmitter with
protected receive sites within the contour or on a wide geographic area
with multiple base and receive sites located anywhere within the
licensed area. We thus seek comment on what criteria could be used to
identify whether a subsequent AWS licensee has an obligation to share
the cost of relocating a BRS incumbent and how the reimbursement
obligation should be apportioned among AWS licensees. Commenters should
consider, for example, whether we should require each AWS licensee to
bear this financial responsibility in proportion to the amount of
spectrum in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band for which it is licensed, or in
proportion to the amount of geographic area cleared within its licensed
market, or some other metric, such as MHz/pops. We also seek comment on
whether we should apply a ``cap'' or some other limit on the amount a
relocator is entitled to receive as reimbursement in order to protect
later entrants who did not participate in negotiations; we also seek
comment on what the amount of the ``cap'' should be. Moreover, we seek
comment on whether formal cost sharing procedures, such as those in the
part 24 plan, are necessary or appropriate to implement any cost
sharing obligations we may ultimately adopt, and if so, what procedures
we should adopt. Finally, we seek comment on whether we should
designate a clearinghouse party to administer any cost sharing rules we
may adopt, the rules that should govern a clearinghouse and the
procedure and quality criteria we should use to select a clearinghouse
administrator.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
45. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as
amended (RFA),\1\ the Commission has prepared this present Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities by the
policies and rules proposed in this Fifth NPRM of Proposed Rule Making
(Fifth NPRM). Written public comments are requested on this IRFA.
Comments must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed
by the deadlines for comments on the Fifth NPRM. The Commission will
send a copy of this Fifth NPRM, including this IRFA, to the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA).\2\ In
addition, the Fifth NPRM and IRFA (or summaries thereof) will be
published in the Federal Register.\3\
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\1\ See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601-612, has been
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996 (SBREFA), Public Law 104-121, Title II, 110 Stat. 857 (1996).
\2\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(a).
\3\ Id.
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A. Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules
46. The Fifth NPRM proposes relocation procedures to govern the
relocation of: (1) Broadband Radio Service (BRS) \4\ licensees in the
2150-2160/62 MHz band; and (2) Fixed Microwave Service (FS) licensees
in the 2160-2175 MHz band. The proposed relocation procedures generally
follow the Commission's relocation policies delineated in the Emerging
Technologies proceeding, and as modified by subsequent decisions.\5\
These relocation policies are designed to allow early entry for new
technology providers by allowing providers of new services to negotiate
financial arrangements for reaccommodation of incumbent licensees, and
have been tailored to set forth specific relocation schemes appropriate
for a variety of different new entrants, including Personal
Communications Service (PCS) licensees, Mobile Satellite Service (MSS)
licensees, 18 GHz Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) licensees, and Nextel.
While these new entrants occupy different frequency bands, each entrant
has had to relocate incumbent operations. The relocation procedures we
propose in the Fifth NPRM are designed to ensure an orderly and
expeditious transition of, with minimal disruption to, incumbent BRS
and FS operations from the 2150-2160/62 MHz and 2160-2175 MHz bands,
respectively, in order to allow early entry for new AWS licensees into
these bands.
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\4\ The Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) was renamed the
Broadband Radio Service (BRS). See Amendment of parts 1, 21, 73, 74
and 101 of the Commission's Rules to Facilitate the Provision of
Fixed and Mobile Broadband Access, Educational and Other Advanced
Services in the 2150-2162 MHz Band, WT Docket No. 03-66, Report and
Order and Further NPRM of Proposed Rulemaking, 19 FCC Rcd 14165
(2004), 69 FR 72020 and 69 FR 72048, December 10, 2004.
\5\ See Redevelopment of Spectrum to Encourage Innovation in the
Use of New Telecommunications Technologies, ET Docket No. 92-9,
First Report and Order and Third NPRM of Proposed Rule Making, 7 FCC
Rcd 6886 (1992); Second Report and Order, 8 FCC Rcd 6495 (1993);
Third Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order, 8 FCC Rcd
6589 (1993); Memorandum Opinion and Order, 9 FCC Rcd 1943 (1994);
Second Memorandum Opinion and Order, 9 FCC Rcd 7797 (1994); aff'd
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials-International,
Inc. v. FCC, 76 F.3d 395 (D.C. Cir. 1996) (collectively, ``Emerging
Technologies proceeding''). See also Teledesic, LLC v. FCC, 275 F.3d
75 (D.C. Cir. 2001) (affirming modified relocation scheme for new
satellite entrants to the 17.7-19.7 GHz band). See also Amendment to
the Commission's Rules Regarding a Plan for Sharing the Costs of
Microwave Relocation, WT Docket No. 95-157, First Report and Order
and Further NPRM of Proposed Rule Making, 11 FCC Rcd 8825 (1996);
Second Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd 2705 (1997) (collectively,
Microwave Cost Sharing proceeding).
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47. The Fifth NPRM seeks comment on what specific relocation
procedures are best suited for the incumbent BRS operators in the 2150-
2160/62 MHz band. For example, we propose a mandatory negotiation
period that must expire before an emerging technology licensee could
proceed to request involuntary relocation and, due to the nature of
BRS, ask whether we should establish separate, individually triggered
negotiation periods for each BRS licensee. We also seek to develop
rules that will enable AWS licensees to determine when their proposed
operations would cause interference to incumbent BRS systems operating
in the 2150-2160 MHz band, such that the relocation of those systems
would be necessary before AWS operations could begin. We identified a
number of options for setting forth these technical requirements,
including implementation of a ``distance'' table that identifies the
distance