WISPA Applauds FCC’s Approval of AFC Coordinators, Soon Boon to Rural Broadband

The following statement may be attributed to Richard Bernhardt, VP of Spectrum and Industry, WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries:

Washington, DC, February 23, 2024 – After three years of rigorous examination and testing, the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology approved seven Automated Frequency Coordinators (AFC) to guide operation of the newly reimagined and shared 6 GHz band.  This keystone action tolls the bell for imminent deployment of 850 megahertz of “standard power outdoor,” 6 GHz unlicensed “Part 15” spectrum by wireless providers across the country.  AFC coordination represents the linchpin in that endeavor, ensuring that incumbent operations also in the band do not see harmful interference.

To meet enormous demand for internet access, earlier in 2020 the FCC opened-up 1,200 megahertz of 6 GHz spectrum – including 850 MHz of automated frequency coordinated spectrum for standard power outdoor use.  This prime, yet underutilized, spectrum sits adjacent to the 5 GHz band already used by wireless internet service providers (WISPs) to deliver broadband to consumers.

But there was a wrinkle in the plan.  Though the 6 GHz band is an ideal area to expand wireless broadband offerings, the band was, and remains, occupied by others, such as broadcasters, energy companies, and commercial ISPs for non-retail, point-to-point “backhaul” services.

Broadband carried by spectrum represents a tremendously reliable, robust and cost-effective way to deliver Internet access, especially in hard to reach and serve rural, under-resourced and Tribal areas of the country.  But spectrum is finite, and there is little greenfield spectrum available to meet growing demand.  Consequently, spectrum must be shared between many uses and users.  Technological systems like the AFC make shared use possible and unleash its potential for broader consumer availability.  Importantly, systems like the AFC represent a primary way in which greater commercial use can be derived from limited spectrum resources.

Though several important milestones remain before companies can offer 6 GHz services directly to homes and businesses, its imminent availability will provide more fuel and space for innovators to meet growing demand and foster the next generation of innovative connectivity and services for wireless consumers.  WISPA expects that this newly expanded marketplace will bring unimagined internet capacity quickly, flexibly and cost-effectively to places once thought “off the map.”  This will enable connection of more Americans to life-bettering broadband.   Moreover, it will prove essential in helping private and public funding go further in the quest to eradicate the digital divide.

WISPA applauds this work, and eagerly looks forward to completing the task of opening-up the 6 GHz band for broader use.

About WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members provide fixed broadband connectivity and include equipment suppliers, support services, and other industry partners and stakeholders. Our members provide broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban, and Tribal areas across America.

Contact
Mike Wendy
WISPA
202-763-5257
mwendy@wispa.org