Wireless Innovation Forum Applauds Recent FCC Order Allowing Use of Dynamic Protection Areas

The Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) commended today the May 22 FCC order by conditional waiver of certain rules allowing each Spectrum Access System (SAS) administrator in the 3.5 GHz CBRS band to choose the use of Dynamic Protection Areas (DPAs) in the protection of Federal Incumbent Naval radar systems. The order also allows for the conditional operation of CBRS Category B devices before full deployment of certified Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) systems. This will allow commercial operation in the band more quickly than projected, promoting efficient spectrum use and validating the investment the wireless industry has made in the CBRS ecosystem.

DPAs are a new concept for Federal incumbent protection in the CBRS Band. They were engineered through the collaboration of industry and government organizations along with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The DPA process helps to resolve complex technical issues further advancing the CBRS dynamic sharing principles and accurately protecting Federal incumbents. It offers an option to the present static exclusion zones originally provided for in FCC rules. Instead, DPAs offer smaller protection areas that are identified and activated when the ESC sensors detect Naval radar systems in operation. Based on this, the SAS provides protection to a pre-defined protection area incorporating the operating characteristics of the devices in proximity to the DPA.

“The WInnForum applauds the NTIA and FCC for implementing this approach and reaching this important milestone in the development of the CBRS ecosystem,” said Mark Gibson, WInnForum’s Regulatory Officer. “These actions by the FCC bring more certainty to the CBRS band and will allow higher power outdoor devices to operate in the band sooner than anticipated.”

WInnForum supports the development and advancement of spectrum sharing technologies based on the three-tier architecture detailed in 3.5 GHz CBRS Band rules defined by the FCC. The Forum recently announced the completion of the full set of baseline standards required for WInnForum certification of CBRS equipment. This watershed event allows the finalization of CBRS products for official testing and sets the stage for the rollout of commercial CBRS networks. The WInnForum Baseline Standards can be found here: https://www.cbrs.wirelessinnovation.org.

WInnForum announced on May 29th the delivery of the Spectrum Access System certification test code for commercial operations within the CBRS band to the NTIA’s Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS). The test code was developed in a deeply collaborative effort by engineers representing multiple stakeholder organizations over the last two years. It has been developed, verified and validated by the WInnForum Spectrum Sharing Committee’s Test and Certification Working Group. Through this effort, engineers maximized the use of common industry testing processes, preserving the openness of the system, while allowing for innovation and development of the subsystems in a healthy competitive ecosystem. Release of this code marks the beginning of the test and certification process for prospective SASs.

About the Wireless Innovation Forum

Established in 1996, The Wireless Innovation Forum (SDR Forum Version 2.0) is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation dedicated to advocating for spectrum innovation, and advancing radio technologies that support essential or critical communications worldwide. Members bring a broad base of experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR), Cognitive Radio(CR) and Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technologies in diverse markets and at all levels of the wireless value chain to address emerging wireless communications requirements. To learn more about The Wireless Innovation Forum, its meetings and membership benefits, visit www.WirelessInnovation.org. Forum projects are supported by platinum sponsors Motorola Solutions, Leonardo and Thales.

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